What is one promise a person makes when they become a naturalized citizen in the US?

When a person becomes a naturalized citizen in the United States, one of the primary promises they make is to defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States. This commitment underscores the responsibility that comes with citizenship, embodying the notion that citizens not only enjoy rights but also bear the duty to uphold and defend the democratic principles and framework established by the Constitution.

This promise reflects the foundational belief in civic participation and the protection of the nation’s ideals. While paying taxes on time, participating in jury duty, and voting in elections are important responsibilities of citizenship, the oath of naturalization explicitly emphasizes the defense of the Constitution as a central tenet of becoming an American citizen. This commitment forms the basis for all the other rights and responsibilities that citizenship entails.