When a person who is going to become a naturalized citizen takes the Oath of Allegiance and declares that he or she renounces all former allegiances, does it mean that he or she renounces his or her former nationality? Or not necessarily?
2007-05-05 11:42:52 · 13 answers · asked by Belindita 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
Very interesting answers, but, if a naturalized citizen is asked "what is your nationality?" wouldn't he or she answer "American"?
2007-05-05 12:41:24 · update #1
Allegiance and nationality are two different things.
Nationality means a nation to which the person has citizenship to. It doesn't mean that they support the nation's government.
Allegiance happens when someone swears an oath or acts as if one was sworn to support the nation. Usually it is a requirement of nationality, but it can't be forced on a person. People can change allegiance or feign it, but it is more a feeling, where nationality is a mere fact. For example the Okalahoma City bombers were US nationals, but they were caring on a private war against the government. Their allegiance was definitely not toward the nation and government of their birth.
When a person becomes a US Citizen and takes the oath then their nationality is changed to the United States, but their allegiance to the US is not confirmed until the person takes the oath. So both are required.
The US doesn't like its citizens to have dual citizenship, but it can be done. In that case the person would have each nation as a nationality and they would swear allegiance to each nation as well.
There are many Americans that have no allegiance to the US. The most common of these people are know as terrorists, and England has had more than it's share of these people. A lot of people will claim that protesters, against the government, are violating their oath of allegiance, but actually they are confirming it by practicing their Freedom of Speech.
Another big group of people who have their allegiance in doubt are immigrants that refuses to learn English or to fit into American society. Then there are exiles, like the Cuban-Americans. Their name says it all; they hold an allegiance to Cuba, or at least the former nation of Cuba, before Castro.
Many Arabic Americans fall into this category as well, with an allegiance stronger toward their ethic nation rather than the US.
2007-05-05 11:53:09 · answer #1 · answered by Dan S 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Allegiance means loyalty... its whom you will ally yourself with... You can't renounce your nationality, as that is where you were born. Nor should you renounce your culture. If you were born in China, and you become a citizen of America, it's ok to say you are a Chinese American. But, you are pledging your loyalty to America. You pledge that you will not sell American secrets to China.... You pledge that you will follow American laws, even if they are different than what you were used to in China.
2007-05-05 11:50:21 · answer #2 · answered by scruffycat 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily. You can have allegiance to more than one country, and usually countries don't mind if you do. It's natural to have an emotional connection to the country of your birth, must as it's natural to have an emotional connection to the country you have adopted as your new home.
2007-05-05 12:07:34 · answer #3 · answered by lesroys 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
not really because in the US you are a hybrid of your previous nationality and your new one. Most people describe themselves as Italian American Mexican American or some thing like this. The thing really is we just want you to speak english and support our government, but if you want to keep some of your former culture a part of you than that is fine too.
2007-05-05 11:53:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nationality is an identity by birth, allegiance is a choice.
2007-05-05 11:56:10 · answer #5 · answered by steddy voter 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, they are still of the fomer nationality unless they declare it otherwise. they are simply changing the allegiance to the country they wish to be a citizen of.
2007-05-05 11:48:02 · answer #6 · answered by afreshpath_admin 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No it mean that their allegiance is with their new adopted country, but their nationality will still be their birth country. allegiance is much stronger than nationality.
2007-05-05 11:48:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
yes it means you are no longer a citizen of your former country ( or nation)
and you owe your loyalty to the United States
2007-05-05 12:21:37 · answer #8 · answered by FOA 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are pledging your allegiance to your new country. You are not forsaking your Country of birth.
Easiest way to look at this is that you are affirming they you will support your new "home" Country like any citizen. Hope this helps.
Edit: Leogirl said it better than I did.
2007-05-05 11:49:46 · answer #9 · answered by chuck_junior 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
You are pledging your loyalties to your new country.You are not renouncing your heritage/nationality.But let us hope you will assimilate into the way of life of your new country.
2007-05-05 11:46:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋