What benefit, citizenship?
Citizenship, in actuality carries more of a burden than benefit. At least in the USA, it seems to be that way.
Citizenship in many other advanced countries has some pretty decent benefits attached to it.
Voting seems to be the Numero Uno benefit here. I searched many websites for naturalization and it was always at the top.
It's odd indeed, to note that in America, just BEING a citizen will not get you far when you plan to vote. Here, you must jump through many flaming hoops, and fill out paperwork, and then hope and pray that IF you get to vote, it will be counted, and that the results can be trusted.
Right wingers rant & rave about Socialism, but in Europe what they have is Socialism-Lite, and it looks pretty darned good from across the pond.
Parental leave
True universal health care
Educational assistance that does not bankrupt students/families
Old Age pensions that are not necessarily tied to a particular job/company
Unionized labor that has decent wages
Public amenities like libraries/museums that are not threatened with closure every few months..rail/subway service that is truly a service, and seems affordable to most people
Unemployment benefits that are more tied to need, than a timer ticking down
It's true that these things "cost money", but we seem to be paying MORE for a LOT less of the above, and while doing it, are constantly told that we don't deserve what little we GET from our citizenship..
Some literati once described America as a beautiful young woman, who when studied up close, is wearing a tattered garment & has a dirty neck.
We have an elevated opinion of ourselves, and refuse to look inward at all when it comes to trying to truly better ourselves.
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http://resources.marshalladulteducation.org/citizenship.htm
Every year many people become naturalized, or are given rights, as U.S citizens
What Are The Benefits of Citizenship?
The most important benefit is the right to vote in elections.
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Having a U.S. passport allows citizens the freedom to travel. You can travel for long periods of time. You can also live outside of the United States. In addition, citizens receive U.S. Government protection and assistance when abroad.
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Citizenship Includes Some Responsibilities
Support and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States;
Swear allegiance to the United States; and
Serve the country when required
Citizens have many responsibilities other than the ones mentioned in the oath. Some of the key points of good citizenship are summarized on back. This is not a definitive list, but if citizens pledge themselves to doing each of them, this generation and generations that follow will continue to enjoy the American heritage of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Serving Jury Duty
The obligation to serve on a jury is the other side of the right of trial by jury, one of our most powerful freedoms.
Respecting others
Tolerance is not only "putting up" with other people who are different from ourselves, it's the spirit of trying to understand them. It is the judgment of people as individuals rather than of classes. The best advice for living peacefully with our fellow citizens is: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Supporting education and schools
A Massachusetts law enacted in 1647 founded the first system of public education in the American colonies. Today every stated has a compulsory education law and publicly controlled schools that, are free and open to the public. Our nation's future depends on educated citizens who acquire skills to enhance our economy and who keep themselves informed so leaders will not influence them or philosophies that weaken rather than strengthen our nation.
Giving Back To Your Community
Working together as a community cue can accomplish much more than we can ever hope to achieve alone. As citizens each of us has an obligation to make our community a little better place. Giving back means giving of your time and ability rather than money. Another word for this is volunteering.
Paying Taxes
If you work, you pay taxes. Taxes provide highways, police and fire protection, military forces, clean water, and safe food. They make possible the public schools, libraries, parks, and everything public (Streetlights etc.). You pay city, state and federal taxes. Taxes represent the cost of our government doing business. As unpleasant as paying taxes may be, taxation with, representation is a vast improvement over a government that taxes and takes your assets without you having a say about it. It is very important that you pay your taxes. Many of the financial benefits people receive come from taxpayer's money. It is a law that you file income taxes!
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