Citizenship is a status granted to individuals by their nationality, which gives them rights and obligations as members of a nation or political community. A citizen is legally recognized as belonging to a country, and can vote in elections, hold public office or collect government benefits, such as unemployment insurance. Citizenship also enables people to travel freely through the country. You can become a citizen through birth, the nationality of one or both parents, or naturalization.
The rights and duties of a citizen vary widely from country to country. In the United States, for example, a person can get citizenship through birth or naturalization and can gain rights like the right to work, the right to free education, and the ability to apply for federal loans. Citizenship is also important for the security of a nation, and a country may grant its citizens special protections or privileges in times of danger.
To be a good citizen, you should respect your country and its laws. You should pay your taxes, participate in political life and volunteer to help others. Citizenship also includes protecting the environment and avoiding wastefulness. If you live in an area with limited water, for example, you can be a good citizen by turning off the faucet when you’re not using it and fixing any leaking pipes.
A person is considered a good citizen when they take part in their local government and society, such as voting in elections and participating in political debates. They may also take part in service for their country, such as military service. Citizenship should not be taken lightly, and it’s a role that most people strive to fulfill.
In a Pew Research Center survey, around three-quarters of Americans said that voting in elections was very important to their idea of being a good citizen. About seven-in-ten said the same about paying taxes and following the law. A smaller share of Americans cited volunteering to help others, knowing the Pledge of Allegiance, and watching what happens in their government and politics as being very important to good citizenship.
The main way to become a citizen is by being born in the United States or its territories. However, there are several other ways to become a citizen, such as serving (or being the child of someone who serves) in the military or through “naturalization.” The latter process requires you to be a lawful permanent resident for a certain amount of time and have physical presence in the United States for a number of years. An immigration lawyer can analyze your travel records, tax statements and passport to determine whether you’re eligible for naturalization. You must be willing to swear allegiance to the United States, which may include a statement that you will bear arms or perform non-combative service for the country in case of war. It’s a complex process and it’s wise to seek legal assistance from a professional in your state. You can find an experienced attorney by searching for “citizenship” or your location on our website.