• American citizenship grants the bearer certain rights.USA Flagge image by glockemann from Fotolia.com
  
  American citizenship can be granted to those who are American by descent or to immigrants who have met all of the requirements during their time in America as a lawful permanent resident. Once you have received your naturalization as an American citizen, you will gain extra rights, benefits and privileges.
  
  

Settling In America

• One of the immediate benefits of U.S. citizenship is the ability to live and work in the United States without being subject to immigration controls. An American citizen can live anywhere in the nation and work for any employer. Because a citizen is not subject to immigration controls, he may visit outside of the country for any period of time without jeopardizing his status in the United States. American citizens can also claim public, means-tested benefits such as welfare without the assistance of a sponsor. Citizenship also grants the right for a person to petition for her relatives to come live and work in the United States, a benefit for reuniting families.
  
  

U.S. Passport

• A naturalized U.S. citizen is eligible to hold a U.S. passport with no restrictions. This document means that the holder is no longer subject to immigration controls and does not have to renew his resident status like the holder of a green card. A U.S. passport can be used in place of the naturalization certificate as proof of U.S. citizenship. It can also be used for the conventional purposes of traveling to and from the U.S. without time restrictions or residency limits.
  
  

Having a Voice

• American citizenship also conveys the right to vote, hold certain public offices and take a number of different federal jobs. This gives the person a voice in government and freedom to stand as a public servant. The citizen is able to exercise these rights without hindrance, and these rights cannot be taken away or denied.