According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 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.
Immigration Support from HHWA Member Resources
If you need assistance with applying for citizenship, we can help. Through their Legal and Personal Protection Plan, HHWA members have access to legal help from our preferred lawyer, regarding immigration-related issues. 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.
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