US Citizenship Ceremonies: The Controversy Behind Lee Greenwood's 'God Bless the USA'

The process of becoming a United States citizen is a significant milestone for millions of immigrants. One peculiar aspect of many naturalization ceremonies is the playing of Lee Greenwood's patriotic anthem "God Bless the USA." This article delves into the history of this song, its use in citizenship ceremonies, and the controversies surrounding it.

The Song's History and Popularity

"God Bless the USA" was released in 1984 and has since become a staple of American patriotism. The song has experienced multiple surges in popularity, often during challenging times for the country:

• General Norman Schwarzkopf played it to his staff the night before Operation Desert Storm
• After the September 11, 2001 attacks, it re-entered the singles charts, peaking at number 16

While Greenwood claims the song is apolitical, his personal political leanings are evident:

• He has performed at numerous conservative events
• Sang at Ronald Reagan's 1988 Republican National Convention
• Modified lyrics for an NRA convention ("God bless the NRA")
• Inducted into the CPAC Hall of Fame
• Supported and performed for President Donald Trump

Monetizing Patriotism

Lee Greenwood has found various ways to capitalize on the popularity of "God Bless the USA":

• Selling branded fireworks
• Publishing a children's book
• Offering commemorative silver coins
• Releasing a "God Bless the USA Bible"

The Bible, in particular, raised eyebrows:

• Priced at $60
• Includes America's founding documents alongside biblical text
• Criticized by Christianity Today for blurring the line between scripture and patriotism
• Endorsed by former President Donald Trump, who reportedly earned $300,000 for his promotion

Greenwood has also attempted to trademark the phrase "God Bless the USA" for use on home decor items. However, his applications were rejected in 2017 and 2020 because the phrase was deemed too generic.

The Song at Naturalization Ceremonies

The presence of "God Bless the USA" at citizenship ceremonies has been a source of both controversy and financial gain for Greenwood:

• Greenwood's representatives discovered the song was being played at ceremonies without compensation
• They entered into settlement negotiations with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
• The government paid $22,000 to Universal Music (Greenwood's publisher) for a six-year licensing contract, including back pay

In 2018, a new deal was signed for around $700 per year. However, payment issues arose during the pandemic:

• The government wanted to pay by credit card
• Universal insisted they couldn't accept credit card payments
• This led to confusion among immigration employees about whether they could use the song

By November 2020, USCIS no longer had licensing rights to play the song at ceremonies. Despite this, reports suggest it was still being used in some locations as recently as May 2021.

Greenwood's Views on Immigration

Greenwood's past remarks about immigrants have been controversial and at odds with the spirit of naturalization ceremonies:

• At CPAC, he stated that immigrants "need to know we're still a western country that believes in God"
• This statement contradicts the principle of religious freedom in the United States, which is a key part of the citizenship test
• Greenwood has expressed concerns about undocumented immigration and potential terrorist threats

The Canadian Version

In a surprising twist, Greenwood released a Canadian version of his song just five years after the original:

• The lyrics were modified to reference Canadian locations and sentiments
• This adaptation raises questions about the uniqueness and authenticity of the original "God Bless the USA"

Alternatives for Citizenship Ceremonies

Given the controversies surrounding Greenwood's song, there are arguments for using a different musical piece at naturalization ceremonies:

• A song that is truly unique to the United States
• One that celebrates both the nation and the naturalization process
• A piece that acknowledges both the positive aspects and challenges of American life

One humorous suggestion is a custom-written song that touches on various aspects of American culture, including:

• Traditional symbols like apple pie and fireworks
• Popular entertainment such as NASCAR and rodeos
• Acknowledgment of national issues and problems
• A call for new citizens to help improve the country

The Importance of Appropriate Ceremony Music

The choice of music for naturalization ceremonies is more than just a matter of entertainment. It sets the tone for one of the most significant moments in an immigrant's life and should reflect the values and ideals of the United States:

Inclusivity

The chosen music should represent the diverse backgrounds of new citizens and the multicultural nature of American society. It should not favor any particular religion or political ideology.

Historical Context

While patriotic songs can be inspiring, it's essential to select pieces that don't gloss over the complex history of the United States. New citizens should be welcomed with honesty about both the nation's achievements and its ongoing challenges.

Legal Considerations

The controversy surrounding the licensing of "God Bless the USA" highlights the importance of properly securing rights for any music used in official government ceremonies. This ensures that taxpayer money is spent appropriately and that there are no interruptions to the ceremonial process due to legal issues.

Educational Value

The naturalization ceremony is an opportunity to reinforce the civic knowledge that new citizens have acquired during their preparation. Music or readings chosen for the event can emphasize key aspects of American government, history, and culture.

The Naturalization Process

To better understand the context in which this musical controversy exists, it's worth examining the steps involved in becoming a U.S. citizen:

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for citizenship, individuals must meet several criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
• Demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
• Have good moral character

Application and Interview

The process includes:

• Filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
• Attending a biometrics appointment
• Completing an interview with a USCIS officer

Civics Test

Applicants must pass a civics test covering U.S. history and government. This test includes questions about:

• The Constitution and Bill of Rights
• The structure of the federal government
• American history and geography
• Civic responsibilities

Oath of Allegiance

The final step is taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. This is where the controversial playing of "God Bless the USA" typically occurs.

The Significance of the Naturalization Ceremony

The naturalization ceremony is a pivotal moment in an immigrant's journey to becoming an American citizen. It represents the culmination of years of effort, study, and dedication. The ceremony should reflect the gravity and joy of this achievement.

Emotional Impact

For many new citizens, the ceremony is highly emotional. It represents:

• The end of a long and often challenging process
• A new beginning as a full member of American society
• The fulfillment of personal and family dreams
• A commitment to their adopted country

Symbolic Elements

The ceremony includes several symbolic elements:

• Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance
• Singing of the National Anthem
• Presentation of certificates of naturalization
• Speeches by officials or distinguished guests

Community Celebration

Many naturalization ceremonies are public events that allow:

• Family and friends to witness the occasion
• Local communities to welcome new citizens
• Media coverage to highlight the importance of immigration to the nation

The Role of Music in Patriotic Events

Music plays a crucial role in many patriotic events, including naturalization ceremonies. It can:

• Evoke strong emotions
• Reinforce national identity
• Create a sense of unity among diverse groups

However, the choice of music can also be divisive, as seen with the controversy surrounding "God Bless the USA."

Balancing Tradition and Inclusivity

As the United States continues to evolve as a multicultural society, there's an ongoing debate about how to balance traditional patriotic expressions with the need for inclusivity:

Updating Traditions

Some argue for updating or replacing older patriotic songs and symbols to better reflect the diversity of modern America.

Maintaining Heritage

Others believe that traditional patriotic elements should be preserved as a link to the nation's history.

Finding Common Ground

The challenge lies in finding ways to celebrate American identity that resonate with both long-standing citizens and new arrivals from various cultural backgrounds.

The Future of Naturalization Ceremonies

As discussions about the appropriateness of certain music and symbols continue, the future of naturalization ceremonies may see changes:

Diverse Musical Selections

Ceremonies might incorporate a wider range of musical styles and genres that reflect America's cultural diversity.

Interactive Elements

Future ceremonies could include more participatory elements that engage new citizens in expressing their commitment to their new country.

Technology Integration

Virtual or hybrid ceremonies, which became necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, might continue in some form, allowing for greater accessibility and new ways of presenting information.

Personalization

There may be efforts to make ceremonies more personally meaningful to individual new citizens, perhaps by incorporating elements of their cultural backgrounds.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" at naturalization ceremonies highlights broader questions about how the United States welcomes new citizens and expresses its national identity. As the country continues to grow and change, it's likely that the traditions surrounding these important ceremonies will evolve as well.

The goal should be to create an experience that is meaningful, inclusive, and truly representative of the values and diversity of the United States. This may involve rethinking not just the music played at these events, but also other aspects of the ceremony to ensure that it resonates with new citizens from all backgrounds.

Ultimately, the naturalization ceremony should be a celebration of what it means to be an American citizen in the 21st century—a commitment to democratic ideals, an embrace of diversity, and a willingness to contribute to the ongoing story of the United States. Whatever music or rituals are chosen, they should reflect these fundamental principles and inspire new citizens as they begin their journey as Americans.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6grAoS-muM