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Top 10 Citizenship Law Articles
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Top 10 Citizenship Law Articles

Citizenship is like clean water: once you have it, you quickly take it for granted, even though it permeates every aspect of your life. In America, citizenship provides a range of rights and privileges, including the ability to work, own property, vote, and travel.

However, in the words of Jesse Ventura, "There is much more to being a patriot and a citizen than reciting the pledge or raising a flag." For example, citizenship also compels us to pay taxes and attend jury duty.

For an overview on the rights, privileges, and duties associated with U.S. citizenship, here are the Top 10 Citizenship Law Articles from the LegalMatch Law Library.

1. Citizenship

In order to become a U.S. citizen, you have to fulfill certain requirements and go through a lengthy process. It is best to familiarize yourself with the outlines of what it takes to become a citizen before starting the process.

2. What Is Acquired Citizenship?

Acquired citizenship can refer to either children born abroad to an American citizen or to someone who has been naturalized. Acquired citizenship is different than birthright citizenship and is one of the two ways in which citizenship is conveyed in America.

3. What Is Birthright Citizenship?

Birthright citizenship is a basic right guaranteed by the 14th amendment. If you are born on American soil or to an American parent you are considered a citizen. America is actually in the minority of 1st world countries in its practice of conveying citizenship to people born on its soil.

4. Dual Citizenship

Dual citizenship means that you are a citizen of two countries. The United States allows its citizens to carry dual citizenship if several conditions are met.

5. Employment Visas

In order to enter the U.S. legally, foreign nationals are required to obtain visas. One of the more popular types of visas that allow people to live and work in the United States are employment visas.

6. Proof of U.S. Citizenship

If you are a U.S. citizen you need proof of U.S. citizenship in order to travel abroad and to be allowed to re-enter the country. The most common form of proof is a U.S. birth certificate. A U.S. passport is also an equally common and valid proof of citizenship.

7. Replacing a Certificate of Citizenship

Certificates of citizenship are issued to people who have obtained U.S. citizenship through naturalization or through being born to an American parent abroad. A certificate of citizenship is needed as proof for many important legal documents. If you have lost your certificate it is important that you get your certificate replaced as quickly as possible.

8. Citizenship Document Checklist

As applying for U.S. citizenship is a long sometimes complex process, it is not surprising that a significant amount of documentation is required during the application process. If you are applying for citizenship, make sure you have every document on this list.

9. Reinstatement of U.S. Citizenship

We all have regrets and it is not uncommon for someone to regret giving up a citizenship they previously held. If you have renounced your U.S. citizenship, you need not worry as the U.S. State Department allows one to regain U.S. citizenship in certain instances.

10. Renouncing U.S. Citizenship

Whether it be for tax or legal reasons, sometimes renouncing your U.S. citizenship might be more advantageous for you. If you are interested in renouncing your U.S. citizenship it is best you become a citizen of another country first in order to ensure that you will not be left stateless once you renounce your U.S. citizenship.

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Law Library Staff

  • Jessica Tam

    LegalMatch Law Library Managing Editor

    Attorney at Law