Pledging Your Loyalty...

When you become an American citizen, you are no longer a citizen of the country from which you came, your loyalty - as it regards supporting the country, the president, and the laws are now to this country. Family traditions, however, are not ruled or regulated by the government of this country - you are free to worship as you choose and to maintain whatever other believes you have, so long as they do not break any of the laws of this country. Most of our ancestors came to the United States from other countries - some long before this land even was the United States! The traditions of our country and our families exist partially because of those roots, and I feel that the should be passed on to our children.

yes if they become citizens o that country they should be loyal to it only but religion is different altho you should also take to the culture too if the country you go to dont do dowries then none should be thought of. Good to ask the dad but not really nessesary in alot of place specilly USA

Well I think the honor killings are just wrong period. Within reasonable limits I think it is fine to follow some of the customs of your old country. After all this is the land of the free (of course as long as they aren't doing anything illegal).

I think when people become citizens then they should follow our laws and customs, which DO NOT include honor killings and the like. I think that they should retain their heritage while assimilating our culture as well. They are here because they want change and a better life, and we should not have to change to accommodate them. It is possible to become American and still celebrate your heritage from the "Old Country", after all, people have been doing just that for many years, and we have all been enriched by the melding of cultures.

my own oppinion and i am an emigrant myself is that if you want to be an american you should do it all the way the language the ustoms the whole thing !if you do not want to do so then stay where you are !sory but its my oppinion and i feel those of us who have been priveledge enough to come live here should be eternaly greatfull!

"When in Rome do as the Romans do", I have mixed feeling on this, I feel that anyone who is in this country should obey our laws, and it is against our law to kill, whether for anger, or religious beliefs. I think that they should be allowed to continue with their customs, if it does not break our laws. I know that probably sounds double minded, but most of our customs in this country now, our ancestors brought with them from which ever country they came here from, so I do feel it is necessary for some customs to continue, so that the people can lead happy lives, and not feel like they are giving up everything they know and love. I hope this makes sense.

When a person is living in a country that is different from the country they were raised in they need to follow the laws of the new country. I don't think that there is any thing wrong with them following the customs and holidays of their old country but need to follow the laws of the new one. I don't think that it is ever right to murder any one the way this man did even if his son-in-law didn't give him a dowery. Now he is out the daughter and grandchild. That is just plain hateful.

I do not believe that everyone who comes to the US has to become a citizen and be loyal to the US. I do believe that they should come here legally: whether they come to visit for a vacation, a business trip, to attend school, to work, or to make the US their permanent residence. I also expect them to abide by our laws while they are here. I have visited and lived in several different countries. I went to each country legally and while I was in their country I followed their laws; even laws that made no sense to me. As a guest in their country, I followed their laws and I expect them to do the same when they are here. I have no problem with them celebrating their holidays where ever they may be; as long as no local laws are broken. I would probably enjoy joining in their celebrations if it is acceptable to them. However, if they feel that they cannot abide by our laws; they should return home where they will be more comfortable. If they do decide to become US citizens; then they should give the US their full loyalty. If they cannot do that then they should not apply for citizenship.

Some countries allow duel citizenship, meaning you are considered a legal citizen in both countries. So if you move away from your home country and become a citizen elsewhere, you can still come home and be considered a citizen there and not a tourist or alien. Very handy if you travel home often or for extened periods of time. In the US, if you move away and become a citizen in another country, your US citizenship is revoked. The US government believes you can only be truly loyal to one set of laws and government. However, since we do have freedom of expression and religion, a person can become a citizen without giving up much of their personal or ethnic beliefs. They can celebrate whatever holidays they want, fly whatever flag they choose, and pray to whatever god or gods they wish, so long as it doesn't harm or disturb others, or break any civil laws. So long as a person is willing to stay within those guidelines, I feel they should be welcomed into the US, because 99% of us are here because of immegration in the first place.

Just because you are a new American that doesn't mean you lose your freedom of religion. In fact it means the opposite. They are here and they have the right to worship any way they want. But if you kill some one, it is against the law but we don't have the right to tell someone yes you can be a citizen But you must stop worshiping your G-d or celebrating your heritage.What if all of a sudden all Americans Had to be Catholic or they would have to be considered non Americans? Would you change your religion so you could be considered an American? Thankfully no one has to make this choice. You may not like their religious choice but they have the right to practice.

My feeling is that if you want to be a citizen of a country you should be loyal to that Of course our country has been tolerant of people who have other views or religions. That is part of what our country is based on. But when it comes down to doing things that may be considered not correct or illegal in this country I draw the line. You have to respect cultures, but if a country considers something as illegal we need to be careful.

I always assumed that pledging loyalty to our country and ways of life was the biggest part of becoming a legal citizen. I believe that if they want to keep their laws(especially the ones as disturbing as that)they need to remain in their own country. We discourage animalistic behavior in America.

I think someone from another country should be allowed to worship or celebrate their customs as long as they are peaceful and killing in not peaceful...We are suppose to be a country where people can be free to celebrate or worship whom they want, but we are also a country of peace, or should be..

I was born in New Zealand and forcibly dragged to Australia by my parents when I was 10. I had no say in the matter, though don't regret it now. Officially, I am recognised by both countries as a citizen, but I still barrack for New Zealand over Australia in the Trans Tasman sporting events! lol. Doesn't always go down well with the true blue Aussies though.

I think it's important to be educated about your heritage and culture, however, I don't think it supercedes the law of the land. In my mind, that comes first. So, if you come to my country (Canada), you should be loyal to this country. If you're not willing to do that, go back to the country you came from if it was so great. I know that makes me sounds kind of "redneck", but, tough, that's the way I feel, and if my neck is a little red, so be it.

I think the problem arises because these people still follow the laws of their religious beliefs which IMO is not quite the same as the laws of the country. However if by following their religious beliefs it causes a breach of the country's civil laws then they should punished according to the laws of the country they are living in.

I guess it is ok as long as they won't hurt or kill anyone! That is very scary, just for the dowry! Anyway, it's what also they believe! For me, honoring their traditions,cultures and beliefs is very fine though they are already a citizen to another country as long as they have to set some limitations! Limitations as not to step other's rights, not to hurt other feelings and respecting what other believe!

My son's best friend is living in Norway and has been for several years now. There are certain holiday's that they do not have in Norway that he grew up with here in Texas and some he does still celebrate. There are several amercians there that he knows and works with too that also celebrate. I see nothing wrong with celebrating both. He also is a big hit with his neighbor's when he starts up his bbq pit. They love the Texan's bbq.

twoey if I went to another country legally I would learn their language and adapt to their ways but keep some of my home country ways also. I feel if they thought enough of the united states to come here legally for petes sakes learn English and try to adapt to our ways but keep your own ways too. be bilingual but learn English as its a slap in the face to America to refuse to speak our language which is English when you use our stores and our various services. you are a citizen so behave like one.learn English..

I think they should act like americans, speaking english. If they want to leave their home and come here to live, they should leave their beliefs and laws where they came from. And live by our laws