America welcomes new comers from across the globe as a nation bound by the shared liberty and freedom. U.S. citizenship offers several rights and all the citizens are expected to exercise and respect all those rights. The U.S. Constitution gives U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens several rights and privileges. But some rights are meant only for the U.S. citizens.
Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are given special immigration priority. Green card holders can sponsor their relatives for permanent resident status in the U.S. but they can sponsor only their spouses and children. Whereas the U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents, spouses, children and their siblings. U.S. citizens get priority when they petition to bring their family members permanently to the U.S.
Likewise, they can easily obtain citizenship for their children who were not born on U.S. soil. Children of U.S. citizens will automatically become U.S. citizens even if they were born abroad. Those who meet specific requirements just need to file Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship and get citizenship certificates.
People who obtain citizenship can get U.S. passports with which they can travel abroad freely. They can also get assistance from the U.S. government even while traveling abroad.
Citizens of foreign countries can come to the U.S. on work visas and work here. Likewise, green card holders also can work in the U.S. But only the U.S. citizens are eligible for federal jobs. There are certain other government agencies that hire only U.S. citizens.
U.S. citizens can become elected officials. Only the U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections and take part in the civic life. This is a privilege that is meant only for the U.S. citizens.
However, people who obtain U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process, need to demonstrate their commitment to the U.S. Similarly, there are certain responsibilities. To become a U.S. citizen, a foreign national must go through the naturalization process and take the Oath of Allegiance. This oath includes some promises. It requires people who take the oath to give up their prior allegiance to other nations and swear allegiance to America.
U.S. citizens need to support the constitution of the country and defend its laws. They need to serve the country, when required. They must pay income and other taxes on time, without fail. U.S. citizens must take part in the political process and register and cast their votes in federal elections. Their responsibilities include serving on a jury.
The country also requires its citizens to respect different cultures, ethnic groups, and religions found in the U.S. People who decide to become U.S. citizens must be willing to fulfill the responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. They need to honor and respect the opportunities the country grants them and become active members of the community.