Nearly 250 years ago, on July 4th, the original 13 colonies of the United States declared their independence from England. Since that glorious day, many Americans have celebrated Independence Day with festivities and get-togethers all across the country. While this is a very brief version of our nation’s history, the important thing to remember is the Declaration of the United States “holds these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…”

But not citizenship. That is not a right. That is a privilege. Yet it is handed out so freely to many who do not, or would not, fulfill their responsibilities as a citizen. I am not pointing fingers at the foreign nationals, refugees, or immigrants requesting citizenship. I am looking at the millions of current citizens, those born in this country, who have no idea what it means to truly be an American.

**The following article was written using information from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. I am, in no way, affiliated with this organization nor do I see myself as a political radical on the issues of USCIS.**

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?

The USCIS describes citizenship as “the common thread that connects all Americans. We are a nation bound not by race or religion, but by the shared values of freedom, liberty, and equality… By becoming a U.S. citizen, you will have a voice in how our nation is governed.”

Our independence should be celebrated. I am proud to be an American! More importantly, I am blessed to be surrounded by many who are willing to die for their country so that our citizens can continue to live with those inalienable rights. It makes me sad, though, that citizenship is often taken for granted by those who have never been required to give it much thought. These folks demand their rights by birth but have never understood the sacrifices that are made to keep this country free. My wish is that we, as a people and country, bring back meaning to that privilege.

According to the USCIS, these are the citizens’ rights and responsibilities to ensure “America remains a free and prosperous nation.”

Rights —

• Freedom to express yourself.
• Freedom to worship as you wish.
• Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury.
• Right to vote in elections for public officials.
• Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship.
• Right to run for elected office.
• Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

Responsibilities —

• Support and defend the Constitution.
• Stay informed of the issues affecting your community.
• Participate in the democratic process.
• Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws.
• Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others.
• Participate in your local community.
• Pay income and other taxes honestly, and on time, to federal, state, and local authorities.
• Serve on a jury when called upon.
• Defend the country if the need should arise.

What do you think? Now that you can see, in black-and-white, your rights and responsibilities as an American citizen, do you still want to be one? That should be your choice. But it should be an informed decision that every American is required to make once they are old enough to vote. It is deplorable to see citizens demand rights that they have no intention of protecting. If you want this country to protect your rights as a citizen, then you need to protect your country by being a responsible citizen.

WHO CAN BE A US CITIZEN?

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website:

Generally speaking, a person can become a U.S. citizen in one of four ways. First, by being born in the United States or one of its territories. Second, if you were born to parents who are U.S. citizens, then you may be a U.S. citizen yourself. This process is called “acquisition” of citizenship. Third, you can be a citizen through the naturalization process, which generally involves applying for, and passing, a citizenship test. Lastly, you may be a citizen if one or both of your parents have been naturalized. This is called “derivation” of citizenship.

THE NATURALIZATION TEST & OATH

I have no interest in debating the difficulty of completing the naturalization process. However, I am curious, how many citizens who were lucky enough to be “born into privilege” even know the most basic history of this country? The USCIS offers a variety of study materials for the civics test (a test that all people wishing to become citizens MUST pass). And I wonder if “civics” is even a word most Americans can use properly in a sentence. Let alone pass a test on the subject!

Perhaps I am being too harsh or am underestimating my fellow citizens, but it would be nice to know that the average person I meet has a general understanding of the principles of American Democracy. It would be comforting to know that, at one point, every citizen made the commitment to be a part of this country and they understand its history. Perhaps there should be a basic citizen’s test for natural-born citizens.

This thought will probably scare and anger a lot of people. And honestly, it is not the most realistic approach to “granting citizenship” to folks who are already citizens. The associated cost to implement something like this would be unfeasible for many Americans and I do not want to deny citizenship. I just want to give the word meaning. This is about patriotism, not profit.

Which leads me to the oath (my favorite!). After an individual passes their naturalization exam, they take the following oath:

I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.

Powerful stuff.

WOULD YOU TAKE AN OATH TO BE A CITIZEN (EVEN IF YOU ALREADY ARE ONE BY BIRTH)?

At the age of 18, nearly anyone can register to vote. Also, at the age of 18, men (and potentially others) are required to register for selective service. It costs nothing to register for either. Registration can be done online, by mail, or in person. It’s free. Quick. Easy. Oh, and it is the law if you want to invoke your rights as a citizen.

Registering for selective service doesn’t mean anyone is required to join the military or that, even if someone does, they will ever see combat. It is just how we fulfill one of our responsibilities as citizens. Why then, if a citizen is required to register for one responsibility, are we not all required to pledge allegiance to our country and swear that we will uphold the rest of our responsibilities?

After the recent holiday, I know deep in my red, white, and blue blood that something is missing. Taking an oath to be a citizen would be an honor and give a deeper meaning to Independence Day celebrations (and the rest of the year- potentially even adding a reason to celebrate your ‘Pledge Day’!). Registration could be free, quick, and easy. And the law. It would be the perfect opportunity to educate Americans about what it means to be a citizen and to remind us why we celebrate this weekend.

If you are celebrating this Independence Day, I welcome you — all of you — to this land of the free! But as you enjoy your inalienable rights, remember that your citizenship is a privilege — not a right. The only way we will protect these rights is to take responsibility.

Do you pledge allegiance?

#Ipledgeallegiance