Today, on Constitution Day, President Trump issued a letter congratulating newly naturalized citizens taking the Oath of Allegiance and urging them to “safeguard, honor, and respect” the American Constitution.
“The United States is now your homeland, and you stand as part of one Nation under God,” wrote President Trump. “You have pledged your heart to America-and in return, she offers the boundless promise of freedom and opportunity.”
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will present this letter to all new citizens during their naturalization ceremonies.
“After years of abuse, sanity is returning to our immigration system,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “American citizenship is a sacred trust, and it should never be treated likely. To be an American citizen is to commit yourself to upholding our values, culture, and Constitution. We are doing everything in our power to make sure that anyone who is offered the privilege of becoming an American citizen fulfills their obligation to their new country.”
Under President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, USCIS has implemented changes to the naturalization process. These include expanded vetting for applicants, such as reviewing potential ties to terrorism or other disqualifying behavior, reinstating neighborhood interviews, considering community contributions, assessing good moral character, and verifying that applicants have not unlawfully registered or attempted to vote. USCIS has also updated the citizenship test.
The original announcement from DHS can be found here.
PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP WRITES LETTER TO SEND TO AMERICA’S NEWEST CITIZENS 🇺🇸🦅
“This rich heritage is now yours to protect, promote and pass down to the next generation. Our history is now your history… And our Constitution is now yours to safeguard, honor and respect.” pic.twitter.com/XntqCtZ6p9
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 17, 2025