It takes a lot of hard work to become a naturalized citizen of the United States. And once you become a naturalized citizen, there are serious responsibilities that you must continue to uphold. Follow along to find out the requirements and responsibilities of a United States citizen and how a proficient Baltimore County, Maryland citizenship lawyer at the Sheri Hoidra Law Office, LLC can help you in achieving this.
What Does It Mean to Be a U.S. Citizen?
When you obtain a green card, it means you are a lawful, permanent resident of the United States. While you can work and live freely in the country, there are still limitations on what you can and cannot do. As such, you may become a naturalized citizen, which grants certain rights, such as:
- Full constitutional protections
- Permanent legal status
- Protection from deportation (with exceptions)
Requirements For Becoming A United States Citizen
It’s critical to understand that becoming a citizen of the United States can be an incredibly arduous and complex process. However, there are a number of benefits, so understanding what is expected of you before beginning this process is imperative.
Residency and Physical Presence Requirements
Before you are able to begin the naturalization process, you must ensure that you meet the strict residency and physical presence requirements. As such, to become a citizen, you must:
- Have five years of lawful residency (standard)
- Have three years of lawful residency if married to a United States citizen
- Meet active service rules if seeking naturalization through military service
- Maintain a physical presence in the United States for at least thirty months over a five-year span, with no more than 6 months spent continuously outside of the country
Eligibility Criteria You Must Meet
Once you meet the residency requirement, you must confirm that you meet these criteria as well:
- You must be at least 18 years of age
- You must be able to read, write, and speak in basic English
- You must be able to recite a basic understanding of the United States government and its history
- You must have loyalty toward the principles outlined in the United States Constitution
- You must have a good moral character
- You must be willing and able to recite an Oath of Allegiance to the United States
Rights You Gain After Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Becoming a United States citizen can provide you with a number of important benefits that you reserve the right to utilize. This includes:
- The right to vote in local, state, and federal elections
- Eligibility for federal employment
- Access to certain government-sponsored benefits
- The right to permanently remain in the United States
- The ability to sponsor certain family members
Responsibilities of a United States Citizen
The hard work does not stop once you are granted citizenship status. As a United States citizen, you hold the following responsibilities:
- You must participate when you are summoned for jury duty
- You must stay informed on local, state, and federal issues and exercise your right to vote
- You must abide by local, state, and federal laws
- You must support and defend the United States Constitution
- You must pay income taxes in a timely and honest manner
Benefits of U.S. Citizenship Compared to Permanent Residency
While many are content with the ability to live and work freely as a lawful permanent resident in the United States, others may make the decision to become a naturalized citizen. There are a number of benefits to becoming a citizen that green card holders are not afforded:
- Citizens have the ability to travel for extended periods of time without losing their status
- Citizenship allows individuals to vote; permanent residency does not
- Citizens have stronger family sponsorship rights
- Green card holders may still be subject to removal under certain circumstances
Contact Our Maryland Immigration Attorneys Today
If you have made the decision to become a naturalized citizen, it’s critical to understand that you do not have to navigate this process on your own. Working with an experienced attorney with the Sheri Hoidra Law Office, LLC, is in your best interest. Our team can help you navigate this process so you can seek the best possible outcome. When you need assistance, contact us to learn how we can represent you.
