Important Reasons to Consider U.S. Citizenship
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has identified the following reasons to consider U.S. citizenship:
• Vote. Only citizens can vote in federal elections. Most states also restrict the right to vote in most elections, to U.S. citizens
• Serve on a jury. Only U.S. citizens can serve on a federal jury. Most states also restrict jury service to U.S. citizens. Serving on a jury is an important responsibility for U.S. citizens.
• Travel with a U.S. passport. A U.S. passport enables you to get assistance from the U.S. government when you are overseas, if necessary.
• Bring family members to the U.S. Citizens of the United States get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to the U.S.
• Apply for federal jobs. Certain jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship.
• Become an elected official. Only citizens can run for federal office (U.S. Senate or House of Representatives) and for most state and local offices.
• Keep your residency. A U.S. citizen’s right to remain in the United States cannot be taken away.
• Become eligible for federal grants and scholarships. Many financial aid grants—including college scholarships and funds given by the government for specific purposes—are available only to U.S. citizens.
Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities
Below are some of the rights and responsibilities that all citizens should exercise and respect. Some of these responsibilities are legally required of every citizen, and USCIS believes 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 U.S. 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.
In West Virginia, as in other states, there are significant benefits to becoming a U.S. citizen. U.S. citizenship allows individuals to vote in federal and most state elections, a right that is restricted to citizens. Additionally, only U.S. citizens can serve on federal juries, and this is often the case for state juries as well. U.S. citizens can travel with a U.S. passport, which provides the security of government assistance overseas. Citizenship also offers priority in petitioning to bring family members to the U.S. permanently. Federal jobs and certain elected offices are open only to U.S. citizens. Moreover, the right to remain in the U.S. cannot be revoked for citizens, and they are eligible for federal grants and scholarships. Citizens have the right to express themselves, worship freely, receive a fair trial, vote, apply for federal employment, and run for office. They also have the responsibility to support and defend the Constitution, stay informed, participate in the democratic process, obey laws, respect others' rights and opinions, engage in community service, pay taxes, serve on juries, and defend the nation if necessary. These rights and responsibilities are foundational to maintaining America's freedom and prosperity.
