CITIZENSHIP NOTES

WHO/WHAT MAKES A CITIZEN?

•“A MEMBER OF A STATE OR NATION WHO OWES ALLEGIANCE TO IT BY BIRTH OR NATURALIZATION AND IS ENTITLED TO THE FULL CIVIL RIGHTS.”

REQUIREMENTS• 18 years of age

• Residing in U.S. for 5 years and not leaving for no more than 30 months

• Residing in the same state for 3 months

• Good moral character

• If male and under 26, must register with the selective service

• No desertion from previous country

• Read, write, and spell English (if over 50, not required)

BENEFITS

•Right to vote

•Collect benefits from Social Security and Medicare

•Travel with a U.S. passport

•Become an elected official

•Become a Federal employee

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY•Take an oath of allegiance to the United States of America

•Support the U.S. Constitution and obey its laws

•Renounce any foreign allegiance or foreign title

•Bear arms for the U.S. Armed Forces

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE U.S. CITIZENSHIP•Vote-responsibility and privilege

•Jury Duty

•Serve in the Armed Forces (If male and Under 26, must register with Selective Service)

•Obey laws, respect rights of others, pay taxes honestly, volunteer services, participation in community efforts

•Apply for U.S. passport so you may travel outside the country.

CITIZENSHIP TEST•Provide documentation of residency

•Know basic concepts of democracy, civic learning, and basic values of America

•You will have 3 chances to read and write a sentence in English and must score 1/3 sentences correctly.

•Interview process

•Fee for Citizenship application is $390 and finger printing is required.