Why Become a U.S. Citizen?

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• Showing your patriotism. Becoming a citizen is a way to demonstrate your commitment to your new country.

• Voting. Only citizens can vote in federal elections. Most states also restrict the right to vote, in most elections, to U.S. citizens.

• Serving 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.

• Traveling with a U.S. passport. A U.S. passport enables you to get assistance from the U.S. government when overseas, if necessary.

• Bringing family members to the U.S., U.S. citizens generally get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to this country.

• Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad. In most cases, a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen is automatically a U.S. citizen.

• Becoming eligible for federal jobs. Certain jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship.

• Becoming an elected official. Only citizens can run for federal office (U.S. Senate or House of Representatives) and for most state and local offices.

• Keeping your residency. A U.S. citizen’s right to remain in the United States cannot be taken away.

• Becoming 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.

• Obtaining government benefits. Some government benefits are available only to U.S. citizens.