What is a promise people make when they become a United States citizen?

When individuals become United States citizens, they make a promise to give up loyalty to other countries. This is a crucial aspect of the naturalization process, which emphasizes the importance of undivided loyalty to the United States and its Constitution. This commitment is reflected in the Oath of Allegiance, which requires new citizens to renounce any allegiance to foreign powers and to uphold the values and laws of the United States.

This promise is foundational to the idea of citizenship, as it establishes a bond of loyalty between the individual and the nation. It ensures that citizens prioritize their responsibilities and duties as members of American society above any previous allegiances.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the core requirement of citizenship. For instance, while learning English can help integrate into society, there is no mandate to speak it at all times. Paying taxes is a civic responsibility but is not framed as a promise made during the naturalization process. Supporting local businesses is important for community engagement, but it is not a formal requirement of citizenship.