USA Naturalization for non-christian immigrants?

Question

I am a German immigrant and living in the USA for 4 years now. I am married to a "first class" citizen (that is really how they call them!) and therefore have legal status as a "permanent resident". I am aware that you have to be 5 (or 8??) years in this legal status before becoming a citizen via "naturalization".

NOW MY QUESTION:

Is it *mandatory* that immigrants have to speak the "Pledge of Allegiance", with that infamous Eisenhower addition "one nation under god"??????

I am of pagan faith and DO NOT worship the abrahamic deity. Any oath made to THAT god would be a false oath from me.

Now, what are non-abrahamics (non-jewish, non-christians and non muslims) saying in that case?

I cannot possibly be the only Pagan immigrating?
What do Buddhists say? And Hindus? And Atheists?

Although it is still so much time until I can think about naturalization, I am already really worried about that!!!

Thanks for all SERIOUS answers!

Answer 1

I'm not sure about the mandatory part - you may wish to double-check with one of the immigration officials (or an immigration lawyer) to double-check, that might be part of the process.

That said, most of the Pagans I know simply skip the "under God" part, and say the Pledge as it originally was: "...one nation, indivisible..." That skips the part about it being a false oath. The other option I've heard is to speak it as "under god", with that being a reference to a different deity - but that depends upon personal viewpoint.

Answer 2

My advice, seriously, is to do what all the rest of us do. Repeat the pledge as they wish it, but don't take the under God nonsense seriously.

Listen, most of the other details of the pledge (such as respecting the Constitution) are really pretty meaningless. I don't think more than one in twenty Americans have every read it, let alone respect it.

Don't get me wrongI think we should read the constitution, and respect it, but we should understand that the 'under god' nonsense came about at a time of repression in the US. It really is just some words, and means nothing except to assuage the Christians who for some reason think they don't get enough respect.

Answer 3

I agree with univee. Thomas Jefferson wasn't a Christian, but a Deist. When he spoke of God he could just as easily have called Him Buddha, Jehovah, Allah or the Force. I appreciate your integrity in not wanting to swear oaths you don't believe, but it seems to me it would be a bit silly to refuse citizenship over the Pledge of Allegiance. I repeated it many times as a child and to me the flag is a piece of cloth. Da Vinci swore he believed in God when he didn't to avoid torture and execution. If there is no Creator of the universe, you have only your own conscience to stop you. If there is I can't imagine Him or Her condemning you for doing what you need to do to be happy.

Answer 4

Its nobody's business what religion you follow if any, If I was you I would go along with the oath and when it came to the under God part, do not say it.
Yes I am A Christian, My Wife is Buddhist.

Answer 5

It's merely two words: "...under God..." Either suck it up and say them OR seal your lips when that part of the allegiance is spoken. Or maybe insert your own deity, non-deity, sports idol, favorite animal...who cares? What you will say will not define your American-ness, it does not make you any less welcome to our country; your religion/lack of religion/wacky religion is irrelevent and no one with half a brain is going to take you to task for it.

Just a thought, but you just may be way over-analyzing and over-dramatizing the situation. There is seriously no need to torture yourself like this. At any rate, welcome aboard to this great country and best of luck with your citizenship!

-Maer

PS
And in case you're wondering, I am Christian.

Answer 6

As you say the Pledge of Allegiance was changed in 1954 by Congress under Eisenhauer. It would be unconstitutional for you to be Forced to say "under God". That would interfere with American's personal freedom of religion..which means fredom From state religion.

You can choose to Not say "under God" in good faith..

Edit before you give me thumbs down Please Think!
Do you Really believe that God's name should be said in vain?
Do you Really believe that forcing religion in violation of the US Constitution is right?
Do you Really believe that it is anyone else's business what religion you practise or don't?

~Sigy, La Senorita de los Cielos
[To Abusive Reporters: If I learn that this question is removed than I will write to [e-mail] to support the asker and protest the removal]

Answer 7

Are you sure you want citizenship? This is the USA and YOU are the one who says you want to be here we neither want or need you if you are going ot have a such a pushy bad attitude. right now it says under God. If you don't like it don't say it and go back to wherever you say you come from.

I don't myself care what a person's religion is but our laws are OUR LAWS. If you don't like them stay in Germany. Germany is a nice country with a long history of religious tolerance...