Why Become a United States Citizen?
Keri Zimmerman
The Right to Vote
By becoming a United States citizen, you have the power to vote. This is an opportunity for citizens to become involved in their government. You get to vote for elections within your state and in the federal government, including voting for president. Only US citizens have the right to vote on various topics, like political office representatives, tax issues, and other topics like gay marriage.
How Do You Become a United States Citizen?
To become a citizen, you have to live in the United States as a permanent resident for five consecutive years, unless you are married and living with a US citizen. Then you can apply to become a citizen after living in the United States for three consecutive years. You also have to pass the citizenship, by answering ten questions correctly. You also need to be able to speak, read, and write basic English. You cannot become a US citizen if you have ever been convicted of a crime.
Benefits of Being Able To Vote In the United States
Having the right to vote gives you a way to let your voice be heard and participate in your government. If you want a change in your community you need to vote and not just assume that your one vote won't matter, it does. By voting, concerns relating to school, housing, and safety are heard. It is a way to improve your community and country.
Sources
"A CALL TO ACTION: RECLAIMING THE RIGHT TO VOTE - New America Media." A CALL TO ACTION: RECLAIMING THE RIGHT TO VOTE - New America Media. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.
"CUNY Citizenship Now." Becoming a United States Citizen. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2015.
"Patheos." This Woman Is Being Denied US Citizenship Because She's Atheist. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.
Reilly, Mollie. "School Can Ban American Flag Shirts Over Safety Concerns, Federal Court Rules." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.
"Top Reasons Why You Should Vote." Top Reasons Why You Should Vote(n.d.): n. pag. Top Reasons Why You Should Vote. Web. 13 Jan. 2015.