Benefits and Responsibilities of Becoming a US Citizen
Introduction
There are two sets of people living in the United State, for instance those who are citizens and those who are non-citizens who are living in the country as lawful citizens. Immigrants can also become citizens by taking a civic test, taking an oath of allegiance and undergoing a process of naturalization in order to gain full citizenship of the U.S and have access to rights that other immigrants do not get. The Constitution of the United States as well as federal laws grant the citizens most of the benefits of living in the country Biase (5-10). However, as much as citizens enjoy certain benefits, they are also obliged to have some responsibilities. This paper is aimed at discussing both the benefits and responsibilities of a U.S citizen.
Benefits of U.S Citizenship
Some of the most important benefits include; having one’s immediate relatives sponsored to have permanent resident status. Such relatives include; parents, spouses and unmarried siblings as well as children who are minors Biase (22). The other benefit is that any child who is born in America will automatically gain citizenship as well. All the U.S citizens qualify to apply for federal jobs and get employment, and lastly it is their right to vote and participate in the electoral process (Biase, 30). According to Biase (40-43), other benefits include inter alia; due process of the law, as well as the assurance that they need to be equally protected by the law.
Responsibilities of Citizenship
Immigrants while taking their oath of allegiance make certain promises to the state to; surrender any allegiance they had to any other nations or countries, take an oath of allegiance to the U.S, be of service to the country whenever they are so required and to defend and support the laws as well as the constitution of the United States (Biase, 40-43).
Conclusion
Other than that it is the responsibility of all U.S citizens to; take part in the electoral process, serving their jury duty and most importantly to respect every citizen regardless of race, ethnic differences, race, cultures and religion. It is important to note that the process of naturalization is carried out by the U.S Customs and Immigration Service.
Works Cited
Biase, A. “Your U.S. Citizenship Guide.” What You Need to Know to Pass Your U.S. Citizenship Test. 2010.