A long lull, a goal realised and an aware citizen

Oath of Allegiance for Naturalized Citizens:

"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

Accessed from USCIS website May 17th 2009

Well it has been a long time coming, but I have finally become an American citizen. Going through this process and having to take the oath that appears above has left me with deeper thoughts and ideas on what it means to be a citizen or any nation.

For instance, neither Marcy or Saoirse were required to take that oath. Being born as a US citizen infers that they will adhere to this oath. It strikes me that most of us who don't serve in the armed forces or a government agency would ever consider the responsibilities that come with citizenship.

I'm still working through how I feel about this, but my initial reaction is that this is very wrong. I actually feel guilty as it is only through this process that I have taken a hard look at what it means to be an Irish citizen. I don't feel that just being born in Ireland gives me the right to claim myself as a citizen. Sure, I voted (albeit once) and I would have served as a juror when requested, but is that all it entails?

Here in the USA, I had to want to be a citizen. I understood all the benefits; but it began with a conscious choice. The process, the oath and the naturalization process instilled in me (or at least is making me consider and figure out) what it means to be a citizen. The irony is I had no American dream, no desire to live here. Fate and circumstance brought us to these shores. Yet here I am gladly taking the oath and declaring myself American. Why? It's part of my wife's heritage and my daughter's, it is only fitting that all of our family embrace both cultures.

While Marcy and I want to return to Ireland, who knows what Saoirse will want when she is old enough to lead her own life? It's only right that I be able to support and advise her whatever she chooses. In my mind that demands my understanding and participation as a citizen of both these fine nations.