What You Gain as a U.S. Citizen — and What’s Expected of You
If you’re a green card holder eligible for naturalization, now is the perfect time to apply for Form N-400 and take the next toward becoming a U.S. citizen. Becoming a citizen offers benefits beyond those of a green card holder — such as new voting rights, better job opportunities, and expanded options to bring family to the U.S.
Naturalization opens the door to life-changing opportunities and also brings important responsibilities. As a citizen, you’ll carry a powerful U.S. passport, apply for certain federal jobs, and enjoy greater freedom, security, and a stronger voice in shaping your future.
At the same time, citizenship means fulfilling duties that help keep the country strong, such as obeying federal and state laws, paying taxes on time, and serving on a jury if called. You may also be asked to support and defend the United States when needed.
By embracing both the benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, you’ll not only secure your rights but also contribute to the nation you now call home. In this guide, you’ll discover the top benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship — and why starting your application today can set you on the path to a more secure and rewarding future.
Start your citizenship journey today with ImmigrationDirect for a fast, accurate N-400 application.
What are the U.S. Citizenship Benefits?
Becoming a U.S. citizen gives you more than just a title — it offers rights, freedoms, and protections that go far beyond what a green card can provide. Here’s what you can look forward to after naturalization:
1. Protection From Deportation
As a U.S. citizen, you cannot be deported to your former country of citizenship or nationality — even if you face legal trouble in the future. Your right to live and work anywhere in the United States is permanent and unconditional. While there have been a few rare cases of citizenship being taken away due to serious past crimes or false information on applications, this is extremely uncommon and doesn’t affect the vast majority of naturalized citizens.
2. A Strong and Respected U.S. Passport
One of the most valuable U.S. citizenship benefits is the ability to travel the world with one of the most powerful passports. Getting your U.S. passport after you receive your Certificate of Naturalization is one of the first — and most rewarding — steps you can take as a new citizen. With it, you can visit over 180 countries visa-free for short stays, travel as often as you wish, and get help from U.S. embassies or consulates during emergencies. This is a major upgrade from the travel restrictions that often apply to permanent residents.
3. Exclusive Federal Benefits and Opportunities
Citizens gain full access to certain programs and benefits that are off-limits to green card holders. This includes scholarships, federal financial aid for college, and career opportunities in government agencies that require citizenship. These benefits can open doors to higher education, better jobs, and greater financial stability.
4. Faster Family Sponsorship
As a citizen, you can petition for more categories of family members — including parents, married children, and siblings — and your petitions are often processed faster than those from green card holders. This means your loved ones can join you in the U.S. more quickly. Check our guide on obtaining green card through family.
5. Automatic Citizenship for Your Children
Children under 18 automatically become U.S. citizens when you naturalize, even if they were born outside the country. All you need to do is report their birth to a U.S. embassy or consulate. This saves them from having to go through the immigration process themselves later in life.
6. Eligibility for Government Jobs
Many federal positions — including roles in homeland security, foreign service, and law enforcement — are open only to U.S. citizens. These jobs often come with competitive pay, strong job security, and excellent benefits for you and your family.
7. The Right to Vote and Shape the Nation’s Future
Only citizens can vote in federal elections, and your vote directly influences leadership and policies that impact your life. Voting gives you a voice in shaping your community and the nation’s future — a privilege green card holders do not have.
8. Eligibility to Run for Public Office
Citizenship is a requirement for holding most elected positions at the local, state, and federal levels. If you want to serve your community in public office, naturalization is your first step.
9. Freedom From Green Card Renewals and Other Immigration Paperwork
Unlike green card holders, you’ll never need to renew your green card, pay costly immigration fees, or file change-of-address forms with USCIS. You also won’t risk losing your residency by staying outside the country for long periods. Once you become a citizen, your status is yours for life — with no recurring immigration paperwork to maintain it.
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What Are the Responsibilities of a U.S. Citizen?
Becoming a U.S. citizen doesn’t just give you new rights — it also brings important duties. While green card holders have fewer legal obligations, U.S. citizen responsibilities include obeying the law, paying taxes, serving on juries when called, and contributing to their communities. Fulfilling these responsibilities helps keep the nation strong and protects the freedoms all Americans enjoy.
1. Renouncing Other Citizenship May Be Required
When you become a U.S. citizen, your home country’s rules on dual nationality will decide if you can keep your current citizenship. The U.S. allows dual citizenship, and so do countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK. But nations like India and Japan require you to give up your citizenship there once you naturalize. Always check your country’s policy before applying if you plan to keep both.
Before applying for naturalization, it’s a good idea to review your home country’s rules on dual citizenship—especially if you wish to keep your original citizenship.
2. Lifelong U.S. Tax Filing
U.S. citizens must file federal income tax returns every year — even if living overseas. You may qualify to exclude a certain amount of foreign income from taxes (over $100,000 as of now), but earnings above that amount are usually taxable.
3. Criminal Background Review
If you have a serious criminal record, it could affect your ability to become a citizen. It’s best to talk to an immigration lawyer before applying
4. Military Service Requirement
Although the draft ended in 1973, it could be reinstated. Males who lived in the U.S. or had a green card between ages 18 and 26 must register with the Selective Service System unless exempt.
5. Jury Duty Obligation
Citizens can be called to serve on a jury. While being summoned doesn’t always mean you’ll serve, you must respond. Exemptions exist for certain public servants, first responders, older individuals, and others depending on court rules.
Active-duty military members, full-time firefighters and police officers, and some full-time government workers do not have to serve on federal juries. People who have served on a federal jury in the last two years, are 71 or older, or are volunteer first responders can usually ask to be excused. However, the rules can be different depending on the court. State and local courts also have their own rules but often excuse people based on age, disability, or their job in public service.
Take the Next Step Toward U.S. Citizenship Today
Becoming a U.S. citizen gives you important rights and opportunities, along with responsibilities to help protect and strengthen the country. If you’re ready to enjoy benefits beyond a green card — like voting, having a strong U.S. passport, and sponsoring family members — now is the perfect time to apply for Form N-400 and start your citizenship journey.
At ImmigrationDirect, we’re here to help you every step of the way with fast, simple, and accurate application services. Don’t wait — begin your path to citizenship today and build a better future for you and your family.
