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Deciding to Apply for US Citizenship
By admin | February 20, 2010
The decision to apply for citizenship is a very serious one and should not be made lightly. When you first contemplate immigration, you will probably apply for residency or permanent residency. Through immigration, you may be able to live, study, and even work in the US. However, US citizenship means many more responsibilities, rights, and privileges.
There are many advantages to citizenship. US citizens have an easier time applying to sponsor family and relatives for residency and citizenship. As well, any child you have while a US citizen will be a US citizen, no matter where you give birth. As well, as a US citizen you will have full rights to all government benefits. US citizenship is required for some jobs and many government contracts, so citizenship can help your career. Only US citizens can vote in federal elections and some state elections. When you are a green card holder, you must maintain US residency, but with citizenship you can live anywhere and still enjoy your citizenship.
As well, citizenship is permanent. Once you are a citizen, you will not need to reapply to maintain your status, the way you might have to do with a green card. When you travel, a US passport (available only to US citizens) provides you with easier access to the US and to other countries. A US passport also protects you when you travel with access to US embassies, consulates, and the services they provide. As a US citizen, you will have an easier time traveling within the country as well. While permanent residents may be detained without a green card, US citizens do not need to worry about this.
As a US citizen, you will also have duties and responsibilities. You will be participating in the political life of the US, since you will have the right to vote. With US citizenship, you will have the right to run for office as well as the right to vote. You will have the duty of shaping the country’s political future. This will require you to make decisions and learn about issues. Even deciding not to vote is a decision that may affect the country’s political future.
In addition to the political duties of citizenship, US citizens have a duty to respect their country and its symbols. Often, this means a psychological shift. If you have considered another country “home” you may need to give up your old citizenship (if your current country of citizenship does not allow dual citizenship) and adopt the US as your country. This may mean adopting US languages, culture, and customs as well. It also means always abiding by the US laws and rules.
Topics: US Citizenship |
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