Citizenship Oath

Your Oct. 1 article about the bipartisan U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform’s recommendation for a new naturalization oath may have left a misperception with readers. New citizens now end the oath saying, “So help me God.” Regulations make clear, however, that applicants for naturalization, by reason of religious training and belief or for other reasons of good conscience, may leave out these words and solemnly affirm rather than swear their oath. In clarifying the oath’s language, the commission never intended to change these provisions, and until your article, it had not occurred to us that anyone might read our recommendation otherwise.

Accordingly, the full version of our final report will be revised to clarify that applicants for naturalization will conclude the oath with the words “so help me God,” unless their religious beliefs or their consciences require an affirmation.

SHIRLEY HUFSTEDLER

Chair, U.S. Commission on

Immigration Reform, Washington