Douglas Alexander: “earlier today, I talked about remembering September 11 and the terrible events that happened that day, but it also…”

“earlier today, I talked about remembering September 11 and the terrible events that happened that day, but it also brought us together as we remembered what it means to be an American. This afternoon, I wish to address an important statement on what it means to be a citizen of the United States. I mean specifically the oath of allegiance which all new citizens swear in court when they are naturalized. I rise this afternoon to announce that I will shortly introduce legislation to make the current oath of allegiance the law of the land. Doing so will give the oath of allegiance the same status enjoyed by other key symbols and statements of being American. The American Flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and our national motto--all these symbols and statements have been specifically approved by Congress and are now a matter of law. The oath of allegiance, which is currently a matter of mere Federal regulation, ought to be treated with the same dignity.”