What Are the Rights and Responsibilties of U.S. Citizenship?
People all around the world covet and admire U.S. citizenship.
For Americans, it is more than a nationality, but rather a bond of shared beliefs and values that links us. It is an identity rooted in an idea.
The rights of American citizenship are probably still best expressed in the Constitution’s Bill of Rights. But U.S. Customs and Immigration Services offers new citizens this list of basic rights that all Americans share:
In return, the government says that U.S. citizens have these responsibilities:
Support and defend the Constitution. Stay informed of issues affecting your community. Participated in the democratic process. Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws. Respect the rights, beliefs and options of others. Participate in your local community. Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state and local authorities. Serve on a jury when called upon. Defend the country if the need should arise.
Though these rights and responsibilities have stayed largely the same over the last 230 years or so, there have been some changes.
When President Obama got Congress to pass the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010, the new law commonly known as “Obamacare” came with a right and a requirement for citizens: Americans not only were given the right health insurance coverage, they were also given the responsibility to get it and participate in the system.
Being an American means using the centuries-old principles of the Founding Fathers to navigate an ever-evolving modern world. Being an American means protecting the legacy of those who entrusted us with our national ideals.
U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) puts it this way:
“Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. We are a nation bound not by race or religion, but by the shared values of freedom, liberty, and equality.
“Throughout our history, the United States has welcomed newcomers from all over the world. The contributions of immigrants have helped shape and define the country we know today. More than 200 years after our founding, naturalized citizens are still an important part of our democracy. By becoming a U.S. citizen, you too will have a voice in how our nation is governed.
“The decision to apply is a significant one. Citizenship offers many benefits and equally important responsibilities. By applying, you are demonstrating your commitment to this country and our form of government.”
For Americans, it is more than a nationality, but rather a bond of shared beliefs and values that links us. It is an identity rooted in an idea.
The rights of American citizenship are probably still best expressed in the Constitution’s Bill of Rights. But U.S. Customs and Immigration Services offers new citizens this list of basic rights that all Americans share:
- Freedom to express yourself.
- Freedom to worship as you wish.
- Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
- Right to vote in elections for public officials.
- Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.
- Right to run for elected office.
- Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
In return, the government says that U.S. citizens have these responsibilities:
Though these rights and responsibilities have stayed largely the same over the last 230 years or so, there have been some changes.
When President Obama got Congress to pass the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010, the new law commonly known as “Obamacare” came with a right and a requirement for citizens: Americans not only were given the right health insurance coverage, they were also given the responsibility to get it and participate in the system.
Being an American means using the centuries-old principles of the Founding Fathers to navigate an ever-evolving modern world. Being an American means protecting the legacy of those who entrusted us with our national ideals.
U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) puts it this way:
“Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. We are a nation bound not by race or religion, but by the shared values of freedom, liberty, and equality.
“Throughout our history, the United States has welcomed newcomers from all over the world. The contributions of immigrants have helped shape and define the country we know today. More than 200 years after our founding, naturalized citizens are still an important part of our democracy. By becoming a U.S. citizen, you too will have a voice in how our nation is governed.
“The decision to apply is a significant one. Citizenship offers many benefits and equally important responsibilities. By applying, you are demonstrating your commitment to this country and our form of government.”