Naturalization and Citizenship
The U.S. Constitution and laws of the United States give many rights to both citizens and non-citizens living in the United States. However, some rights are only for U.S. citizens, such as:
- Jury duty
- Eligibility for political office
- Unrestricted travel rights
- Voting rights
- Protection from deportation (by contrast, green card holders can be deported)
- Shorter waiting times if applying for relatives abroad
- Fewer restrictions on estate taxes
- Full social security benefits if retiring abroad (green card holders only eligible for 50% benefits)
- Eligibility for government jobs
- In certain cases, automatic acquisition of derivative citizenship for children under 18, without a separate application
Required Promises to Become a U.S. Citizen
To become a U.S. citizen you must take the Oath of Allegiance. The Oath includes several promises you make when you become a U.S. citizen, including promises to:
- Give up all prior allegiance to any other nation or sovereignty;
- Swear allegiance to the United States;
- Support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States; and
- Serve the country when required.