Can a Conscientious Objector Become a US Citizen?

The path to US citizenship is simple for many immigrants who have become Permanent Residents. They study for the tests, fill in the forms and send off the fees and then wait to be called for interview. But what if you are a conscientious objector? Can you still apply to become a US citizen?

Naturalisation applicants who are over the age of 18 and who have met all the conditions for naturalisation, such as the English language, civics and government tests, as well as residency requirements will need to complete immigration Form N-400, also known as the "Application for Naturalisation".

But unlike the process of becoming a Permanent Resident, applying to become a US citizen requires a lot more from applicants. Not only must they demonstrate evidence of "good moral character" and prove that they are well versed in US history and have an attachment to the US constitution, they must also agree to two further fundamental principles.

USCIS also asks Permanent Residents who are applying for US citizenship to renounce any foreign allegiance, including any titles that they hold from another country, and to bear arms for the Armed Forces or assist in some other way for the US government if and when called upon to do so. A Permanent Resident who is a conscientious objector may feel able to renounce any foreign allegiance they have and agree to be a law-abiding citizen as set forth in the US Constitution.

But when it comes to the part about agreeing to take up arms in any branch of the US Armed Forces, this is something that a conscientious objector will not be able to agree to. While these are requirements that a lot of Permanent Residents are quite happy to submit to, if you are a conscientious objector, you will need to establish whether or not you can take a modified oath that takes your religious and any other beliefs into account before you even apply for naturalisation This is the only avenue open to conscientious objectors who wish to become naturalised US citizens at some point in time.