American Citizenship Definition
American citizenship is one of the most coveted citizenships in the world. The U.S. rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness have drawn immigrants for centuries. Whether naturalized or born, all U.S. citizens are equal in the eyes of the law. Citizenship comes with both rights and responsibilities; the United States protects its citizens, and in return, U.S. citizens are required to protect and progress their country.
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14th Amendment
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Citizenship rights are clearly outlined in the Constitution of the United States. Section 1 of the 14th Amendment states that the rights awarded to U.S. citizens, whether born or naturalized, are equal. The amendment also makes clear the protection U.S. citizens have by being citizens. The U.S. protects all of its citizens from any state (referring to states within the United States as well as outside) impeding upon the rights of life, liberty, property and applicable immunities without dual process of law and equal treatment.
Birthright
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Citizenship by birthright covers all those born on U.S. soil, including those born to illegal immigrants. Anyone born in the U.S. has right to an U.S. birth certificate and is therefore qualified for citizenship. Birthright is also extended to those who are born to a U.S. citizen, whether inside or outside of the country. A child born to at least one American abroad has right to citizenship upon birth and can obtain a U.S. birth certificate at the U.S. Consulate General in the country of birth.
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Naturalization
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Naturalized citizens hold the same rights and responsibilities as born citizens: the right to vote, the requirement of registering for the draft, diplomatic protection abroad, jury duty and every other right and responsibility required of U.S. citizens.
Loss
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It is extremely difficult to lose citizenship once you have it. The only way to lose citizenship aside from grave acts of treason is to verbally denounce it in front of an U.S. consular officer in a foreign country.
Dual Citizenship
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All U.S. citizens are protected diplomatically by the U.S. foreign consulates and embassies around the world. U.S. diplomatic protection covers citizens in all countries except those that the citizen holds dual citizenship with. U.S. protection ends the moment you enter a country that you are also a citizen of. The United States permits dual citizenship of its citizens with any country they qualify for. Gaining citizenship in the United States dos not require the denouncement of any prior allegiances, nor does acquiring a foreign citizenship result in the loss of U.S. citizenship. However, there are certain countries that do not allow dual citizenship and will either requirement the denouncement of U.S. citizenship or will strip you of your citizenship once you acquire U.S. citizenship. The citizenship laws of foreign countries must be studied before dual citizenship is attempted.
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References
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