I have been living in the States for many years now, happily married, working, paying taxes. Starting school this fall to work towards my BSN.
When I originally moved into the States from Europe and got married with a nice big-titted Texan girl, I always somehow figured that some years down the road I would begin a naturalization process to become a United States citizen. Instead of always checking that "permanent resident/alien" check box in every form I ever fill out, which always left me feeling like I was getting on the mental short bus every time.
But now that I have been looking into it, there is something about the oath of allegiance that troubles me. And while giving an "oath" its due consideration and weight is considered somewhat old school in this day and age, I do not think that I can in good conscience state something which I do not believe.
The oath of allegiance goes as follows:
Quote:
|
I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the armed forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.
|
I know what you're thinking, and no, it's not the "God" bit. I am on the fence about the existence of the Vengeful Lord Almighty, but I wouldn't go through the trouble of getting that part omitted.
And I do believe in the values set forth in the Constitution. I feel allegiance to the country, and its laws, and I feel like I am a good person, contributing to the community is a constructive way when I can.
The issue I take is with the part that states:
Quote:
|
I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen
|
My native country, Finland, supports dual citizenship. They recognize that a person may be a citizen in another nation without losing their Finnish citizenship and the rights and responsibilities that go with it. I don't know if this is true, but it does not seem that the US feels quite the same way. While I believe in the Constitution, the nation's laws and definitely in everyone's right to pursue personal happiness, goals and prosperity and all that, I do not think I could ever simply denounce the country I was born and raised in, as if I had to roots there, no attachment, no allegiance whatsoever.
I really don't know what to do, and would appreciate any thoughts you may have on the subject.