The fourteenth amendment defines citizenship as “An individual born or naturalized in the United States and subjected to the jurisdiction is a citizen of the United States and state where he lives”.
Regarding naturalized citizens, naturalization is granting US citizenship to foreign nationals after they fulfill the requirements listed in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Some of the rights and privileges that naturalized immigrants experience include freedom of expression and worship and the right to life and liberty. Every immigrant wishes to appreciate the same freedom and opportunities that American citizenship accompanies.
However, naturalized citizens cannot experience every benefit that a born American shares. One benefit that naturalized US citizens cannot share is that they cannot run for president and vice president positions of the United States.
You must be aware that along with rights also come the responsibilities and duties. Being a US citizen, you must pay back to your adopted nation and fulfill your obligations and responsibilities.
Have a look at what rights, responsibilities, and duties you hold being an American citizen.
Pair of Statements to Describe Rights and Requirements
The pair of statements that can best compare the rights and requirements of US Citizens are as follows:
- Citizens have some rights, like freedom of speech. Citizens also have some responsibilities, like an obligation to obey the laws.
Citizens have some rights, such as freedom of speech. Citizens also have some responsibilities, like volunteering.
- Citizens have some rights, like freedom of religion. Citizens also have some responsibilities, like cleaning up litter.
Citizens have some rights, such as freedom of religion. Citizens also have some responsibilities, such as the need to testify in court.
US Citizens Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities
US law demands certain civil responsibilities essential to the democratic philosophy of the country.
Mandatory duties
The mandatory duties of US citizens are
- Obey and respect the local, federal, and state laws
- Pay the local, federal, and state taxes on time
- Serve on a jury in a trial when summoned
- Serving as a witness in a trial when summoned
- Register for the draft to defend the country( males between the age of 18-25 must register)
➡LEARN MORE: How Long Does It Take to Get a Work Permit?
Voluntary responsibilities
The voluntary responsibilities are things that citizens should do but are not required by law and include
- Voting in any local, federal, or state elections (Voting is both a right and a responsibility)
- Being informed related to issues that affect your community and country
- Taking part in government such as joining a political party or attending civic meetings (Both a right and responsibility)
- Taking part in helping your community
- Respecting and protecting others’ rights
- Protecting the common good (beliefs or actions that benefit the larger community)
Rights of US citizens
The rights of US citizens are:
- Freedom of expression
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of assembly (freedom to gather together peaceably)
- Freedom to petition the government
- Freedom of worship however you want
- The right to bear arms
- The right to voting in any local, federal, or state elections
- Right to run for federal office (As a US citizen, you are eligible to run for any state, local, or federal office, but only natural-born citizens of the US are eligible to run for president and vice-president positions)
- Traveling with a US passport
- Eligible to federal grants and scholarships
- Right to bring their family members to the United States (citizens can sponsor spouse, parents, children, fiancé, and siblings whereas green card holders can sponsor only spouses, parents, and children)
- Right to get citizenship for a child born abroad