Resources related to “US Citizenship”:
Why become a US Citizen?
It is a well-known fact that the United States of America is one of the most popular countries in the world to live in. The United States has beautiful scenery, an excellent education system, and many opportunities to pursue dreams.
One dream that many people have is citizenship in this great country.
What is citizenship in the US?
Citizenship in the United States is a status that grants people rights and privileges. It also holds responsibilities, such as paying taxes and voting in elections.
To become a citizen of the US, you must live here for five years (or three if married to a US citizen). You must also pass an English language test, a civil knowledge test, and have no criminal record.
Get Smarter on US News, History, and the Constitution
What are the benefits of US citizenship?
There are many great benefits to being a citizen in the United States. One use is that you can travel visa-free to all countries in North America except Cuba, including Mexico and Canada.
Another huge advantage is that you will have opportunities for better jobs and education due to your high level of English and education in the United States.
USA citizenship also has many benefits for your family members:
- Your spouse will be allowed to live here with you on a dependent visa, which means that they do not have to go through all of the paperwork involved in immigrating.
- You can sponsor certain relatives such as parents and some siblings for citizenship.
- Your unmarried children under the age of 21 will be able to live in America on a dependent visa while attending school or working.
What are the responsibilities of US citizenship?
There are many great benefits to being a citizen in the United States, but it also comes with specific responsibilities such as paying taxes.
As a US citizen, you must file your taxes each year. You can also be drafted to serve in the military if needed.
Another responsibility is that you must uphold federal laws and abide by them, which means obeying all traffic laws, paying any fines or fees associated with breaking these road rules and many others.
What is the process for becoming a US citizen?
There are several steps to take to become a naturalized citizen of this country. First, you must apply and be approved by USCIS (the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services).
You will need proof that you have been living here legally during your five-year period, as well as proof of your good moral characteristics, such as work history and tax returns.
Next, you must go through an interview in which the officer will ask questions to make sure that everything on your application is accurate.
If approved for citizenship, you will need to attend a naturalization ceremony in which you take an oath pledging allegiance to this country. After your naturalization ceremony, you will receive your certificate of citizenship.
Military Personnel
- There are also special rules for US military personnel who want to apply for citizenship:
- Military members applying under the general rule must still complete five years of honorable service to be eligible
- If they have served less than five years but for more than six months, they may still apply for citizenship but must be honorably discharged first
- Spouses of US citizens in the military are eligible to apply after only one day of marriage and three years of honorable service. If the spouse is not a US citizen at this time, they will also need to serve one year to become naturalized.
- If a military member has served two years of honorable service, their spouse and children may be eligible to apply for citizenship without serving any time in the military.
US Citizenship Quiz
If you would like to download a PDF with our quiz, then please go to:
Alternatively, you can take our online quiz here:
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