What Are the Benefits and Responsibilities of Citizenship? Benefits Responsibilities The Constitution and laws of the United To become a U.S. citizen you must take States give many rights to both citizens the Oath of Allegiance. The oath includes and non-citizens living in the United several promises you make when States. However, some rights are only for you become a U.S. citizen, including citizens, such as: promises to: 2 • Voting. Only U.S. citizens can vote • Give up all prior allegiance to any other in Federal elections. Most States nation or sovereignty; also restrict the right to vote, in most elections, to U.S. citizens. • Swear allegiance to the United States; • Bringing family members to the • Support and defend the Constitution United States. Citizens generally and the laws of the United States; and get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to this country. • Serve the country when required. • Obtaining citizenship for children U.S. citizens have many responsibilities born abroad. In most cases, a child other than the ones mentioned in the born abroad to a U.S. citizen is Oath. Citizens have a responsibility automatically a U.S. citizen. to participate in the political process by registering and voting in • Traveling with a U.S. passport. elections. Serving on a jury is another A U.S. passport allows you to get responsibility of citizenship. Finally, assistance from the U.S. government America becomes stronger when all of when outside the United States. its citizens respect the different opinions, cultures, ethnic groups, and religions • Becoming eligible for Federal jobs. found in this country. Tolerance for Most jobs with government agencies differences is also a responsibility of require U.S. citizenship. citizenship. • Becoming an elected official. Many When you decide to become a U.S. elected offices in this country require citizen, you should be willing to fulfill U.S. citizenship. the responsibilities of citizenship. We hope you will honor and respect the • Showing your patriotism. In addition, freedoms and opportunities citizenship becoming a U.S. citizen is a way to gives you. At the same time, we hope demonstrate your commitment to your you become an active member of your new country. community. It is by participating in your community that you truly become The above list does not include all the an American. benefits of citizenship, only some of the more important ones. A Guide to Naturalization 3.