Posted by Two Cities on September 16, 1998 at 10:29:27:
In Reply to: "The Meaning of American Citizenship," INS Commissioner posted by Paul Andrew Mitchell, B.A., M.S. on September 15, 1998 at 19:29:58:
I had the opportunity to look directly at a
'certificate of naturalization'.
This one was entered into at SEATTLE, WA (wah)
The name on the certificate was the misnomer
all capitals, and there might even have been a comma.
Speaking to the person, it also becomes clear that
every opportunity was given the person to verify
the correctness of the document, before signing.
The certificate also contains language, indicating that it
might be a crime to copy the certificate, unless you are
authorized to do so. This suggests a level of ownership. (control)
Afaik, certificates may be issued on several levels.
Certificates issued by the INS, are likely to be different
from certificates issued by a state court, but perhaps not.
Anecdotally, from someone else, I heard that a Certificate
of Naturalization, issued by a California court, within the
last 15 years, was given outright, i.e. no signature was
collected by the court (contract). The signature was later
applied, but not in the context of a contract between two parties.
In the speech below, the oath references the Constitution
of the United States, not the name the 'We the People' constitution
assigns to itself (as some would say). Clearly this stuff is
complicated by many factors.
Again, that the INS performs the process of naturalization can
hardly be the same as establishing uniform rules, for the states
to act under.
: The Meaning of American Citizenship
: Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization
:
: Today you have become a citizen of the United States
: of America. You are no longer an Englishman, a Frenchman,
: an Italian, a Pole. Neither are you a hyphenated-American
: -- a Polish-American, an Italian-American. You are no
: longer a subject of a government. Henceforth, you are an
: integral part of this Government -- a free man -- a Citizen
: of the United States of America.
: This citizenship, which has been solemnly conferred on
: you, is a thing of the spirit -- not of the flesh. When
: you took the oath of allegiance to the Constitution of the
: United States, you claimed for yourself the God-given
: unalienable rights which that sacred document sets forth as
: the natural right of all men.
: You have made sacrifices to reach this desired goal.
: We, your fellow citizens, realize this, and the warmth of
: our welcome to you is increased proportionately. However,
: we would tincture it with friendly caution.
: As you have learned during these years of preparation,
: this great honor carries with it the duty to work for and
: make secure this longed-for and eagerly-sought status.
: Government under our Constitution makes American
: citizenship the highest privilege and at the same time the
: greatest responsibility of any citizenship in the world.
: The important rights that are now yours and the duties
: and responsibilities attendant thereon are set forth
: elsewhere in this manual. It is hoped that they will serve
: as a constant reminder that only by continuing to study and
: learn about your new country, its ideals, achievements, and
: goals, and by everlastingly working at your citizenship can
: you enjoy its fruits and assure their preservation for
: generations to follow.
: May you find in this Nation the fulfillment of your
: dreams of peace and security, and may America, in turn,
: never find you wanting in your new and proud role of
: Citizen of the United States.
: [Basic Guide to Naturalization and Citizenship]
: [Immigration and Naturalization Service]
: [U.S. Department of Justice]
: [page 265, emphasis added]