Oath of citizenship

An Oath of Citizenship is an oath taken by immigrants that officially naturalizes immigrants into citizens. It is often the final step in this process, and is usually done in a ceremonial capacity. An oath of citizenship is designed to be a statement of loyalty and patriotism to the new country. In countries which retain a monarchical system of government, an oath of allegiance to the monarch is often required as well. Adding an oath to God to the end of an oath is usually optional.

Oaths

Canada

Main article: Oath of Citizenship (Canada)

The Oath of Citizenship, or Citizenship Oath (in French: serment de citoyenneté), is a statement recited and signed by candidates who wish to become citizens of Canada. Administered at a ceremony presided over by assigned officers, the oath is a promise or declaration of fealty to the Canadian monarch and a promise to abide by Canada's laws and customs; upon signing the oath, citizenship is granted to the signer.^[1]

India

Officially called the "Oath of Allegiance"

I, [name] do solemnly affirm (or swear) that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of India and fulfil my duties as a citizen of India.

Israel

The Israeli government agreed that a controversial draft proposal, clause 5(c) of the Law of Citizenship of 1952, be brought before the Knesset to be legislated. If passed by the Knesset a newly naturalised citizen of Israel would have to declare that he or she will be a faithful citizen of the State of Israel "as a Jewish and democratic state" and that he or she promises to keep the laws of the state.^[2] This is not legislation but a government decision to enact a law (actually to amend an existing law). The proposal if legislated will apply to new Jewish citizens of Israel ^[3](even though according to Israeli law Jews are not considered to be naturalised citizens but citizens by birth).

Jamaica

''I, [name], do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to people of Jamaica, according to law and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Jamaica and fulfil my duties as a citizen of Jamaica.

New Zealand

Main article: Oath of citizenship (New Zealand)

The purpose of the Oath of Citizenship, as opposed to the Oath of Allegiance, is for new New Zealand citizens to pledge their loyalty not only to the New Zealand Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II, as the personification of the State and the personal symbol of allegiance, but also to the laws and customs of their new country.

Philippines

I,[name], solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and obey the laws and local orders promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Philippines, and I hereby declare that I recognize and accept the supreme authority of the Philippines and will maintain true faith and allegiance thereto, and that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily without mental reservation or purpose of evasion.

Singapore

I, [name], do solemnly swear that I will be faithful,

and bear true allegiance to the Republic of Singapore,

and that I will observe the laws and be a true,

loyal and faithful citizen of Singapore,

so help me God.

South Africa

I, [name], do hereby solemnly declare that I will be loyal to the Republic of South Africa, promote all that will advance it and oppose all that may harm it, uphold and respect its Constitution and commit myself to the furtherance of the ideals and principles contained therein.

United Kingdom

I, [name], [swear by Almighty God] [do solemnly, sincerely and truly affirm and declare] that, on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs, and successors, according to law.

Since 1 January 2004, applicants for British citizenship are also required to make a pledge (see Pledges below).

See also: British nationality law

United States

Main article: Oath of Allegiance (United States)

The United States Oath of Allegiance (officially referred to as the "Oath of Allegiance," 8 C.F.R. Part 337 (2008)) is an oath that must be taken by all immigrants who wish to become United States citizens..

Pledges

In some countries, a pledge is taken by a new citizen, as opposed to an oath.

Australia

Main article: Australian nationality law

Officially called the "Pledge of Commitment":

From this time forward, under God,

I pledge my loyalty to Australia and its people,

whose democratic beliefs I share,

whose rights and liberties I respect, and

whose laws I will uphold and obey.

All new citizens have the choice of making the pledge with or without the words 'under God'.

Norway

Som norsk statsborger lover jeg troskap til mitt land Norge og det norske samfunnet, og jeg støtter demokratiet og menneskerettighetene og vil respektere landets lover.

As a citizen of Norway I pledge loyalty to my country Norway and to the Norwegian society, and I support democracy and human rights and will respect the laws of the country.

Applicants for Norwegian citizenship are not required to take the oath, it is optional.

Romania

Jur să fiu devotat patriei şi poporului român, să apăr drepturile şi interesele naţionale, să respect Constituţia şi legile României

I pledge my devotion to my country and to the Romanian people, to defend the nation's rights and interests, to respect the Constitution and laws of Romania

United Kingdom

Since 1 January 2004, applicants for British citizenship are also required, in addition to swearing the oath or affirmation of allegiance, to make a pledge to the United Kingdom as follows:

I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.

Persons acquiring British overseas territories citizenship make an equivalent pledge to the relevant British Overseas Territory. In the very unusual cases of an acquisition of British Overseas citizenship, or British subject status, no pledge would be required.

References

1. ^ Citizenship and Immigration Canada (27 May 2008), Guide to Citizenship Ceremonies, CP 15, Ottawa: Queen's Printer for Canada, p. 6, archived from the original on April 6, 2008, http://web.archive.org/web/20080406022048/http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/manuals/cp/cp15e.pdf, retrieved 6 January 2009 
2. ^ http://www.pmo.gov.il/PMO/Communication/Spokesman/2010/10/spoketikun101010.htm
3. ^ http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3971341,00.html