In our previous article we discussed the benefits of being a U.S. citizen. After reading that article, you may be wondering why anyone would not want to become a U.S. citizen. To help you with that assessment, following is a list of the main responsibilities associated with being a U.S. citizen.
#1 Oath of Allegiance
To become a U.S. citizen, you must take the Oath of Allegiance. In doing so you make the following promises:
- Give up all prior allegiances
- Swear allegiance to the U.S.
- Support the Constitution and the laws of the U.S.
- Serve and defend the country when asked.
It is important to note that the oath of allegiance does not ban dual citizenship. You are not required to take any steps to formally renounce the citizenship of your home country. Nor will it stop U.S. citizens from later adopting citizenship in another country. You may also continue to vote in your home country, if it allows it. You are however required to carry your U.S. passport when leaving the U.S., and to present it upon reentry.
#2 Stay informed of issues affecting your community.
#3 Register and vote in elections.
#4 Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
#5 Participate in your local community.
#6 Pay taxes honestly and on time.
#7 Serve on a jury when called upon.
Clearly, becoming a U.S. citizen does not require you to give up any rights or benefits. Instead, the many freedoms and opportunities given to us through U.S. citizenship allow us to become fully active members of our community. It only stands to reason that in exchange, we should be required to do our part to ensure that everything we love about this country lives on.
The immigration attorneys at the Law Offices of Azita M. Mojarad, P.C. are eager to help you with your naturalization application when you decide to become a U.S. citizen. For further information or to schedule a consultation contact us at (312) 641-0771.