The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a detailed guide outlining the privileges and obligations that come with American citizenship, aimed at helping immigrants understand what they gain by naturalising.
Key Benefits of US Citizenship
According to the USCIS, naturalised citizens acquire rights that permanent residents do not possess. The most prominent is the right to vote in federal elections, a privilege restricted to US citizens in nearly all states. Additionally, only citizens can serve on federal juries.
Citizenship also offers greater travel flexibility. US passport holders can access government assistance while abroad and receive priority when petitioning for family members overseas to immigrate permanently. Children born abroad to a US citizen are automatically considered citizens in most cases.
Career opportunities expand as well. Many federal government jobs are reserved for citizens, and only citizens can run for federal office, including the US Senate and House of Representatives, as well as most state and local positions.
Financial and Legal Protections
Naturalised citizens become eligible for federal grants, college scholarships, and government benefit programmes that are often closed to permanent residents. Crucially, a citizen's right to remain in the United States cannot be revoked, offering a level of security that permanent residents do not enjoy.
Responsibilities of Citizenship
The USCIS emphasised that citizenship comes with meaningful duties. Legally required obligations include paying taxes honestly and on time, serving on a jury when summoned, and defending the country if needed. Other responsibilities, though not legally enforceable, are considered vital to democracy: staying informed about community issues, participating in the democratic process, respecting laws, and engaging with the local community.
The agency described citizenship as the common thread connecting all Americans, built on shared values of freedom, liberty, and equality, rather than race or religion. Naturalised citizens, the USCIS noted, have historically played a crucial role in shaping the nation and remain essential to its democratic fabric.
This guide was published to help prospective applicants fully understand what naturalisation unlocks and what it asks in return.
