Get the American citizenship It is the culmination of a long process of integration and legal stability for the migrants that arrive in the country.
With this status, people are entitled to a series of rights, how to live in United States legallyvote in federal electionsapply to jobs that require this document and apply for a federal positionamong many others.
However, citizens are also expected to fulfill obligations, such as support and defend the constitution, stay informed of issues affecting your community, respect the rights, beliefs and opinions of others, pay taxes honestly and in a timely manner to federal, state and local authorities, as well as serve as a member of a jury when summoned, etc., according to information available on the official portal of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Although it is a rare scenario, the US government can revoke naturalization in certain circumstances, leaving the person without the rights and benefits of a citizen of the country.
One of the ways in which a foreign person can become US citizen is through naturalization if they meet certain requirements:
- Be permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 if you are married to a US citizen).
- Have lived in the district or state in which you are located for at least the last three months.
- Know read, write and speak basic English.
- Understand the foundations of American history, as well as its form of government.
- Demonstrate good moral character.
Only after meeting these criteria can an immigrant take the oath and become a full citizen.
However, the fact of having been naturalized does not guarantee that citizenship is irrevocable. There are situations in which the government can initiate a process of denaturation and withdraw the acquired status.
Although denaturation is a rare event, there are several reasons why it can occur. As CNN reported in 2020, they can only occur in federal court.
The United States Government details that you can lose your US citizenship if you fall into any of the following specific cases:
- You run for public office in a foreign country, however, this is only “under certain conditions.”
- Enter military service in a foreign country.
- Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of renouncing US citizenship.
- Commits an act of treason against the United States.
- You are a naturalized U.S. citizen facing denaturalization due to the commission of certain crimes.
- Finally, there is also the voluntary renunciation of citizenship.
A US citizen may submit a formal application for renounce your nationality before him Department of State (DOS). Once this process is completed, the person will have to face a certain number of consequences, among them:
- Loss of civil rights: You will no longer be able to vote in elections, access certain government jobs or receive diplomatic protection from the US.
- Possible stateless status: If the person does not have another nationality, they may be left without a country of origin, which complicates obtaining documents and accessing basic services.
- Need for a visa to enter the US: Without citizenship, the person will have to apply for a tourist, work or residence visa to enter the country.
- You may be prohibited from entering the US: This happens when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determines that the former US citizen’s motivation is to avoid taxes. The individual will be considered inadmissible.
- You can be deported to the US even as a former citizen: A foreign country can deport you even with your status as a former citizen.
