About U.S. Citizenship
United States citizenship is a privilege that many millions of U.S.-born and naturalized Americans hold dear and sacred. There is a unique responsibility with this privilege and also benefits that any citizen can take advantage of.
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History
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The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States sets out the basic parameters of what defines a citizen. This Amendment was ratified on July 9, 1868. It states, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."
Significance
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According to the Department of Homeland Security's Yearbook of Immigration Statistics (www.dhs.gov/ximgtn/statistics/publications/yearbook.shtm), more than 16 million immigrants have become naturalized citizens since 1911 under the ever-changing immigration laws of the United States. These new citizens have contributed greatly to scientific innovations, arts and entertainment, political discourse and industry.
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Features
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For foreign nationals to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, they must apply with the United States Customs and Immigration Service (www.uscis.gov) by filling out the necessary forms (Form N-400), participating in an interview by a USCIS officer and taking an American Government and English test.
Types
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Every citizen, whether naturalized or U.S.-born, has responsibilities to participate in making the country a better place. These responsibilities include:
1. Voting: Every eligible citizen 18 years or older should register to vote and learn as much as they can about the candidates for public office who seek to represent them. It doesn't matter whether it is a small local district school board race or the highest office in the land, a citizen should be informed, make the right decision for herself and her family and vote on Election Day.
2. Community Involvement: A community is not a really a community unless its citizens are active in what is going on there. The more citizens that are involved in local issues such as supporting schools, attending local council meetings and staying in tune with what is happening in their neighborhoods, the stronger and more positive their lives will be.
3. Jury Duty: Every registered voter has the potential to be called for jury duty. This is an important part of being a citizen, as well. The ability to decide criminal and civil cases that impact your community is a duty that should be taken seriously.
4. Support and Defend the Constitution: It is taken for granted that a U.S.-born citizen will support and defend the Constitution and its laws. A naturalized citizen must take an oath that renounces any foreign allegiances before they are permitted to become a U.S. citizen.
Benefits
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Even though there are many expectations of a U.S. citizen, there are also many benefits. Citizens are eligible for federal jobs, can run for elected office, vote in any election for representatives of their particular community and they are allowed to bring foreign-born family members to this country with certain restrictions laid out by the USCIS.
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