What Are the Duties of American Citizenship?

American citizenship includes civic responsibilities.

Almost all persons born in the United States are citizens by birthright. A person who is born outside of the United States is automatically a citizen if one parent is a United States citizen. Children of naturalized parents are also citizens. United States citizens have duties and rights outlined in the United States Constitution. Individuals who want to become American citizens will need to take an oath to assume the responsibilities of citizenship in order to benefit from citizenship.

Rights and Benefits

Only citizens have the right to vote in national elections.

There are three fundamental rights established in the Constitution. A Writ of Habeas Corpus protects citizens from imprisonment without a fair trial. A bill of attainder cannot be enacted to punish an individual or a group of individuals. The government cannot pass a law and retroactively convict a person of violating the new law; commonly known as ex post facto laws. The Bill of Rights provides additional protections not stated in the Constitution. The first 10 amendments include freedom of speech and religion; the right to keep and bear arms; the right to a jury trial and to question accusers; and freedom from cruel and unusual punishment. Citizens can vote, run for office, sponsor foreign family members to live in the United States and travel abroad with a United States passport; ensuring citizenship protection overseas.

Duties

Citizens are responsible for serving during wartime if needed.

American citizens have duties in order to maintain rights. Citizens are expected to swear allegiance and loyalty to the United States, uphold the Constitution and obey laws, serve the country when needed, vote, serve as jury members and respect different opinions, cultures and religions. The duties of American citizens are not explicitly stated in the Constitution; responsibilities are assumed. Duties, such as loyalty, are assumed because the Constitution clearly states punishments for treason. Congress has the power to raise armies, therefore it is implied that it is a duty to serve. The Constitution presumes impartial juries, therefore it is expected that citizens serve as impartial jury members when needed. The freedom to vote implies a duty to vote.

Becoming a Citizen

Individuals must take the Oath of Allegiance to become citizens.

To become a United States citizen a person must be naturalized. The criteria for naturalization is: you be at least 18 years of age, be a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the country for five years, or three years if resident by marriage, and live in the state or U.S. Citizen and Immigration district for at least three months prior to applying for naturalization. Potential citizens must have good moral character, accept the principles defined in the Constitution, have basic English language speaking skills and knowledge of United States history and civics. Individuals who meet the naturalization criteria must complete United States citizenship application form N-400.

Renouncing Citizenship

Chess legend Bobby Fischer renounced citizenship.

According to the Immigration and Nationality Act, United States citizens who wish to renounce citizenship must make "a formal renunciation of nationality before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in a foreign state, in such a form as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State." Any person who wishes to renounce citizenship must relinquish all rights. A person cannot relinquish some rights and retain others. A person who is considering this decision should know that renouncing citizenship does not eliminate tax and military obligations, debt or prevent an individual from being prosecuted for crimes. Renouncing citizenship is permanent and cannot be undone.

References

• Immigration Law Nationwide: Benefits of Obtaining United States Citizenship
• United States Constitution Online: Constitutional Topic: Rights and Responsibilities
• United States Citizen and Immigration Services: What Are the Benefits and Responsibilities of Citizenship
• United Sates Immigration Support: Application Center
• United States Department of State: Renunciation of U.S. Citizenship

Resources

• USA Today: Bobby Fischer Buried in Iceland; J. Walter Green; January 21, 2008