Wife is Jehovah's Witness: Needs letter

[UPSGregg 0]

My wife is applying for citizenship and the only issue we have is the Oath. Apparently she needs a letter proving she is an active member of the Jehovah's Witnesses or something to prove that her religion prohibits her form taking up arms. I have no problem with writing up such a letter and having one of the "elders' sign it but I'd like see if there is anyone on this board that has experience with this. Maybe give me an example. Any help would be appreciated.

[Sukie 1,479]

My wife is applying for citizenship and the only issue we have is the Oath. Apparently she needs a letter proving she is an active member of the Jehovah's Witnesses or something to prove that her religion prohibits her form taking up arms. I have no problem with writing up such a letter and having one of the "elders' sign it but I'd like see if there is anyone on this board that has experience with this. Maybe give me an example. Any help would be appreciated.

See page 22 of this document: https://cliniclegal.org/sites/default/files/231718_clinic_02.pdf

Sorry - it does not seem to have made this a hyperlink....

Sukie

[UPSGregg 0]

See page 22 of this document: https://cliniclegal.org/sites/default/files/231718_clinic_02.pdf

Sorry - it does not seem to have made this a hyperlink....

Sukie

That doesn't see to be a relevant topic.

[Sukie 1,479]

Ah...it was page 22 of the pdf page counter... Here is the cut and paste...

Special Groups Can Take a Modified Oath

If your religion and beliefs do not allow you to bear arms in defense of the

United States or you do not believe in taking an oath, you can ask to take

a modified oath.

If you do not believe in bearing arms, you can ask to take the oath without

the words, “I will bear arms.” If you are opposed to all military service, then

you can take the oath without the words, “I will perform noncombatant

services in the armed forces.”

If you are a Quaker, Jehovah’s Witness, or belong to another faith or religion

that does not believe in taking an oath, you can take a modified oath without

the words “on oath” or “so help me God.” You can use the words “solemnly

affirm” instead.

To take a modified oath without the words on bearing arms, you must

show USCIS:

•

You are opposed to any form of armed service in the military (if asking to

remove the words, “I will bear arms”);

•

You must make the change because of your religious or moral beliefs;

and

• Your beliefs are sincere and deeply held.

You will need to submit a written explanation of your beliefs and why

they require you to take a modified oath. If you are a member of an

organized faith, you should submit a letter from a minister of your faith

attesting to your membership and explaining the beliefs of your faith on

bearing arms.

[UPSGregg 0]

Ah...it was page 22 of the pdf page counter... Here is the cut and paste...

Special Groups Can Take a Modified Oath

If your religion and beliefs do not allow you to bear arms in defense of the

United States or you do not believe in taking an oath, you can ask to take

a modified oath.

If you do not believe in bearing arms, you can ask to take the oath without

the words, “I will bear arms.” If you are opposed to all military service, then

you can take the oath without the words, “I will perform noncombatant

services in the armed forces.”

If you are a Quaker, Jehovah’s Witness, or belong to another faith or religion

that does not believe in taking an oath, you can take a modified oath without

the words “on oath” or “so help me God.” You can use the words “solemnly

affirm” instead.

To take a modified oath without the words on bearing arms, you must

show USCIS:

•

You are opposed to any form of armed service in the military (if asking to

remove the words, “I will bear arms”);

•

You must make the change because of your religious or moral beliefs;

and

• Your beliefs are sincere and deeply held.

You will need to submit a written explanation of your beliefs and why

they require you to take a modified oath. If you are a member of an

organized faith, you should submit a letter from a minister of your faith

attesting to your membership and explaining the beliefs of your faith on

bearing arms.

Excellent!

[Soley 73]

On 2/2/2014 at 5:47 PM, Sukie said:

Ah...it was page 22 of the pdf page counter... Here is the cut and paste...

 

Special Groups Can Take a Modified Oath

If your religion and beliefs do not allow you to bear arms in defense of the

United States or you do not believe in taking an oath, you can ask to take

a modified oath.

 

If you do not believe in bearing arms, you can ask to take the oath without

the words, “I will bear arms.” If you are opposed to all military service, then

you can take the oath without the words, “I will perform noncombatant

services in the armed forces.”

 

If you are a Quaker, Jehovah’s Witness, or belong to another faith or religion

that does not believe in taking an oath, you can take a modified oath without

the words “on oath” or “so help me God.” You can use the words “solemnly

affirm” instead.

 

To take a modified oath without the words on bearing arms, you must

show USCIS:

•

You are opposed to any form of armed service in the military (if asking to

remove the words, “I will bear arms”);

•

You must make the change because of your religious or moral beliefs;

and

 

• Your beliefs are sincere and deeply held.

You will need to submit a written explanation of your beliefs and why

they require you to take a modified oath. If you are a member of an

organized faith, you should submit a letter from a minister of your faith

attesting to your membership and explaining the beliefs of your faith on

bearing arms.

I found this thread because I was looking for more information about the matter.

I answered the question about wanting to bear arms with a no.

During the naturalization interview the officer asked me why I answered with a no and I said because of my belief. He then asked me what my belief was called. It is a personal belief, I am not religious but I don't believe in violence, but he wanted a name. So I told him that it comes closest to Buddhism. I had to sign a form stating that I do not want to bear arms. He did not ask for a written explanation.

The interview was early december 2020. I got a notice a week later saying my oath ceremony will be scheduled. I didn't think it would be such a big deal but now my online file says that the waiting time is 7 months!

 

Does anyone have experience with this other than what I found here? I know this thread is old but perhaps someone else knows.

[millefleur 5,047]

**Zombie thread now locked from further comment. Please start a new thread if you have a new question.**

 

VJ Moderation