Why become a naturalized citizen?

Why become a Naturalized citizen of the United States. Most immigrants don’t wait until the 5 years as a resident is up to obtain an application. It is filled out so they can send it the minute they’re eligible. They have to be 18 years old to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. They must get 6 out of the 10 questions right. A citizen has a few extra benefits that a resident does not, and you have a say on what happens in your community.

Only citizens can vote in federal elections. You have an indelible right to vote for the one who represents you. You put that person in power. As a Naturalized American you should worry about who is making the decisions for you. Certain jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship. Some benefits are available only to citizens Many financial aid grants, including college scholarships and funds given by the government for specific purposes, are available only to a U.S. citizens. You’ll find the requirements on uscis.gov.

The right to remain in the United States cannot be taken away. If you are arrested for any reason you cannot be sent back. You have made the United States your home. You have to be a functioning part of it. You will be fingerprinted so there is a record of everything you touch. Your passport enables you to get assistance from the U.S. government when overseas, if necessary. You have to study English and Civics so you can show a proficiency in them. Citizens generally get priority when you want to bring family permanently to the U S. In most cases, a child born abroad to a United States citizen is automatically a citizen.

You can serve on a federal jury which is an important responsibility. Only citizens can run for federal office (U.S. Senate or House of Representatives) and for most state and local offices. Being an American Citizen affords you all these privileges except you cannot become a US president. You have to be born in the United States.

Below you will find several rights and responsibilities that all citizens should exercise and respect. Some of these responsibilities are legally required of every citizen, but all are important to ensuring that America remains a free and prosperous nation.

Rights

• 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.”

Responsibilities

• Support and defend the Constitution.
• Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
• Participate in the democratic process.
• Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
• Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions 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.

Your tax returns are very important proof that you are eligible for naturalization. On the day of your interview, bring certified tax returns for the last 5 years (3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen). Certified tax transcripts may be ordered by using Internal Revenue Service Form 4506-T available at www. irs.gov.