Vetting Allegiance

At the heart of the immigration issue it the question of allegiance.  Presumably those individuals desiring to immigrate to the United States of America have a goal of becoming a United States Citizen.  If safety is their only concern, then a risk (and associated danger) of non-allegiance will always exist.

Safety and Security come with responsibility and obligations that are clearly identified in the Oath of Allegiance in the Naturalization process for Citizenship.  “….That I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic”

How much easier could it be to have immigrants read and recite this oath as their intention and first desire before entering our country?  It would set expectations for what they will learn and publically declare should they become naturalized Citizens.  Or even more simple, just as the majority of school children do, recite the Pledge of Allegiance (if the under God is objectionable - they can use the pre 1954 version).

 

 

Vetting based on religion, color, or any other discriminatory attribute is in direct conflict with the values and principles outlined in the Constitution.  U.S Citizens safety and security is what we are trying to achieve by vetting refugees and immigrants.  Common allegiance to each other and to the Country is the solution.  Extreme Vetting complicates the essence of the beauty and simplicity of our Constitutional values – life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

We are a nation of risk takers and freedom fanatics willing to defend each other “so help me God”.  I’m willing to take the risk for those who stand with me and pledge their allegiance.  That’s the kind of “Vet” I want by my side – born here or not.