Putting America First: What It Means to Become an American Citizen

By Nayla Rush, August 1, 2016

At a recent naturalization ceremony in the Washington area, 73 immigrants from different nationalities (Indian, South Korean, Vietnamese, Guatemalan, Chinese, Iranian, Salvadoran, etc.) became American citizens. They all had to take the Oath of Allegiance during an official ceremony. Here are the words of the oath:


The judge presiding stressed the importance of this oath, comparing it to marriage vows. He explained how important it was for naturalized citizens to give up their loyalty to their previous country. "Keep your affection, preserve your native culture," he said, "but your allegiance should now go to the United States."

The message could simply be: "Put America first." It is about putting the love of America, its values, its people, and its laws above previous loyalties, or "marriages," to use the judge's metaphor. That is what a number of politicians, activists, and concerned Americans are trying to put forward today.

Becoming an American citizen is not to be reduced to mere opportunity. It should remain an honor.