According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, citizenship is the “common thread” that connects all Americans – who value the opportunity of freedom, liberty, and equality that the country offers.
Citizens of the United States can be made official by law, birth, or naturalization – which is the legal process by which a non-citizen of a country may acquire citizenship. Immigrants from all around the world have been shaping our country into what it is today, and if you are wondering if the process of becoming a U.S. citizen is worth it, there are many beneficial reasons, including the importance of rights in the country that many immigrants may not be aware of.
Rights
If you are a citizen of the United States, you have the right to:
- Vote.
- Serve on a jury.
- Get assistance from the U.S. government if necessary, when overseas.
- Receive priority when petitioning to bring family members to the United States permanently.
- Apply for federal jobs.
- Run for federal, state, and most local offices.
- Keep a permanent residency.
- Receive federal grants, scholarships, and other government benefits.
- Express yourself freely.
- Worship freely.
- Receive a prompt and fair trial in all courts of law.
Responsibilities
Being a U.S. citizen is a responsibility in itself. The legal requirements include:
- Support and defend the Constitution.
- Follow and respect federal, state, and local laws.
- Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
- Pay all taxes honestly and on time.
- Serve on a jury when summoned.
Free Immigration Support from IDG Legal
If you need assistance with applying for citizenship, we can help. Immigration services are offered to help members with immigration-related issues. This service will provide you access to a lawyer, for a list of issues, free of charge. Our partner, the ANSOB Center for Refugees, is a Queens-based non-profit organization who has staff members who speak a variety of languages. (Unfortunately, we cannot assist with open cases.) Get help now by tapping below, and filling out a form.
