United States Citizenship: History, Benefits, and Interesting Facts

Obtaining United States Citizenship is one of the most meaningful milestones in any immigrant’s journey. It marks the moment a person becomes a full member of the American nation, gaining rights, responsibilities, and opportunities protected under the U.S. Constitution. This article explores the story behind United States Citizenship, its history, advantages, disadvantages, requirements, and fascinating facts about birthright and honorary citizenship.

1.  What Is United States Citizenship?

United States Citizenship is the legal recognition of an individual as a citizen of the United States of America. It grants full participation in the country’s civic, economic, and social life.

Citizenship can be acquired in three main ways:

•    By birth within the U.S. (known as birthright citizenship)

•    By naturalization, after meeting legal requirements

•    By honorary citizenship, which is extremely rare and symbolic

 Having United States Citizenship means enjoying the full protection of American laws, the right to vote, obtain a U.S. passport, live and work anywhere in the country, and travel freely abroad under U.S. diplomatic protection.

2.  Advantages and Disadvantages of United States Citizenship

Advantages

1   Voting rights – Citizens can vote in federal, state, and local elections.

2   Job opportunities – Many federal and government positions require United States Citizenship.

3   Travel freedom – U.S. citizens hold one of the world’s most powerful passports.

4   Security – Citizens cannot be deported and enjoy lifetime legal residence.

5   Family immigration – Citizens can more easily sponsor relatives for immigration.

6   Public benefits – Full eligibility for certain government programs and social services.

Disadvantages

1   Tax responsibilities – U.S. citizens must report worldwide income to the IRS, even if living abroad.

2   Jury duty – Citizenship includes civic duties like serving on juries.

3   Dual citizenship issues – Some countries do not recognize dual nationality.

4   Application process – Achieving United States Citizenship can be long, costly, and stressful for applicants.

Despite minor drawbacks, the benefits of United States Citizenship far outweigh its challenges — it’s a lifelong investment in freedom, rights, and opportunity.

3.  Requirements for United States Citizenship

To qualify for United States Citizenship through naturalization, applicants must typically:

•    Be at least 18 years old.

•    Hold a green card for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).

•    Show continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.

•    Demonstrate good moral character.

•    Pass the English and civics tests.

•    Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

Applicants file Form N-400 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and attend an interview as part of the process. These steps ensure that new citizens understand the rights, responsibilities, and values tied to United States Citizenship.

4.  A Short History of United States Citizenship

The idea of United States Citizenship began with the Naturalization Act of 1790, which granted citizenship to “free white persons” of good moral character. Over time, this definition evolved through landmark moments:

•    1868 – The Fourteenth Amendment established birthright citizenship for all persons born or naturalized in the U.S.

•    1906 – The Basic Naturalization Act created uniform rules and introduced civics and English testing.

•    1960s–2000s – Reforms expanded access to naturalization for lawful permanent residents worldwide.

 The story of United States Citizenship mirrors America’s own evolution — from a young republic to a diverse democracy built on equality and inclusion.

5.  Statistics and Interesting Facts About United States Citizenship

•    Each year, 700,000–900,000 people apply for United States Citizenship through naturalization.

•    In 2023, over 878,000 individuals became new U.S. citizens — one of the highest totals in recent history.

•    Birthright United States Citizenship remains the most common form — about 90% of Americans are citizens by birth.

•    Since 1907, more than 40 million people have gained United States Citizenship through naturalization.

•    Honorary United States Citizenship has been granted only eight times, including to Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa, and the Marquis de Lafayette.

•    Only a few thousand people each year relinquish or renounce United States Citizenship, usually for tax or dual-citizenship reasons.

These numbers show that United States Citizenship continues to be one of the most sought-after nationalities in the world.

6.  Birthright United States Citizenship

Birthright United States Citizenship is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, which states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” That means any child born on U.S. soil automatically receives United States Citizenship, regardless of their parents’ immigration status (except for children of diplomats or certain foreign officials). This principle, called jus soli (“right of the soil”), distinguishes United States Citizenship as one of the most inclusive citizenship systems in the world.

7.  Honorary United States Citizenship

Honorary United States Citizenship is a symbolic status awarded by Congress or the President to exceptional foreign nationals whose contributions align with American values.

Notable recipients include:

•    Sir Winston Churchill (1963)

•    Mother Teresa (1996)

•    Raoul Wallenberg, Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of Jews during WWII

Honorary citizens don’t receive passports or voting rights — but the recognition underscores the prestige and moral weight of United States Citizenship.

8.  Why United States Citizenship Matters

At its core, United States Citizenship is more than a legal status — it’s a promise of belonging, freedom, and civic participation. It symbolizes equality under the law and the opportunity to shape the nation’s future. Whether by birth, naturalization, or rare honorary recognition, United States Citizenship remains a global symbol of liberty and democratic values.

9.  Preparing for Your Path to United States Citizenship

The journey toward United States Citizenship requires preparation, patience, and knowledge — and that’s where the BeCitizen App comes in.

With the BeCitizen App, you can:

•    Practice official civics and English questions for the naturalization test.

•    Simulate your USCIS interview experience.

•    Track your learning progress with smart quizzes and mock tests.

•    Study anytime, anywhere, with friendly, step-by-step lessons.

Join thousands of future Americans who trust BeCitizen to prepare confidently for United States Citizenship and make their American dream come true.