As we continue to explore Civics 101 in the SCOOP USA Media Newspaper, this week we’re looking at the question, “What does it take to become a United States Citizen, and what does that whole process entail? We’ll explain in this week’s Civics 101 column.
To be an American Citizen is supposed to mean becoming a part of one of the most culturally diverse and most exciting countries in the world. It is supposed to be a place where you have endless opportunities and the freedom to create a better life for yourself and for your family.
You are supposed to be able to “live the American dream” as a U.S. Citizen. You start by completing form N- 400 U.S. Citizenship Online Application. Log on at www.us-forms.com/forms/n-400-citizenship-application.
What are the benefits of becoming a United States citizen? You are able to get a U.S. Passport. Having a U.S. passport brings many advantages including, but not limited to, being able to travel to over one-hundred and seventy four (174) countries without needing to apply for a visa.
You can get assistance from U.S. Embassies and Consulates. When traveling abroad, consular officials can provide resources and legal aid. The U.S. Government may even intervene on the person’s behalf in the event of incar- ceration.
You get the right to vote. You will have the right to take part in the U.S. national elections.
You get the right to run for public office. As a U.S. Citizen, you will have the right to run for elected public offices.
You can also hope for good job opportunities. You will be able to work anywhere in the United States. You will have the freedom to travel. U.S. Citizens, unlike Permanent Residents, do not have to maintain a residence in the U.S. They have the right to travel and stay in a foreign country as long as they wish and return at any given time. You don’t have to fear deportation. As an American Citizen, you cannot be deported.
There are also social benefits. You will be assigned a Social Security Number and have access to Medicare.
As for citizenship for children under the age of 18, all underaged children of naturalized American citizens will automatically receive U.S. Citizenship.
Here’s another plus to becoming an American citizen. You can then Sponsor close relatives who may want to come to America. As a U.S. Citizen, you may sponsor your parents, children over the age of 18 (married or unmarried), and siblings to apply for Permanent Residence without having to wait for a visa.
Being a U.S. citizen also comes with some important responsibilities. You have to give up all prior allegiance to any other nation or sovereignty. You have to swear allegiance to the United States. You have to swear to support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States. You are expected to participate in the democratic process by registering and voting in elections. You are expected to serve the country when required, respect and obey federal, state, and local laws, serve on a jury when required and respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
If all people born in America would do all the things that people who want to become American citizens are required to do, our nation would be a much better place.
Next week, we’ll share the questions on the test that people have to take, to become an American citizen. Let’s see if we, people who were born in America, pass or fail the test to be American Citizens.
