• Support and defend the Constitution
Citizens generally
get priority when petitioning to bring
and the laws of the United States; and
family members permanently to this
country.
• Serve the country when required.
• Obtaining citizenship for children
U.S. citizens have many responsibilities
born abroad. In most cases, a child
other than the ones mentioned in the
born abroad to a U.S. citizen is
Oath. Citizens have a responsibility
automatically a U.S. citizen.
to participate in the political
process by registering and voting in
• Traveling with a U.S. passport.
elections. Serving on a jury is another
A U.S. passport allows you to get
responsibility of citizenship. Finally,
assistance from the U.S. government
America becomes stronger when all of
when overseas.
its citizens respect the different opinions,
cultures, ethnic groups, and religions
• Becoming eligible for Federal jobs.
found in this country. Tolerance for
Most jobs with government agencies
differences is also a responsibility of
require U.S. citizenship.
citizenship.
• Becoming an elected official. Many
When you decide to become a U.S.
elected offices in this country require
citizen, you should be willing to fulfill
U.S. citizenship.
the responsibilities of citizenship. We
hope you will honor and respect the
• Showing your patriotism. In addition, freedoms and opportunities citizenship becoming a U.S. citizen is a way to
gives you. At the same time, we hope
demonstrate your commitment to your you become an active member of your
new country.
community. It is by participating in your
community that you truly become
The above list does not include all the
an American.
benefits of citizenship, only some
of the more important ones.
A Guide to Naturalization
3
This page is intentionally left blank.