Important Information for New Citizens
Congratulations
on becoming a U.S. citizen
Today marks a very special milestone in your life. With a solemn
oath, you are now a citizen of the United States of America. You
pursued this day wholeheartedly and pledged your allegiance to
this country; now we welcome you to the American family.
We encourage you to read The Citizen’s Almanac, available at
uscis.gov, which contains information on the history, people and
events that have shaped our country. We hope the contents of this
booklet will serve as a constant reminder of the important rights
and responsibilities you now have as a U.S. citizen.
Your aspirations and actions enrich our society and strengthen our
democracy. Remember that with the rights of citizenship come
equally important responsibilities. Our system of government
relies on an active and engaged citizenry. The future of our great
republic is dependent upon the involvement of citizens like you.
With your new title of U.S. citizen, you have an opportunity
to make lasting contributions to both your community and
adopted country. Your efforts will help ensure that America’s
promise of freedom, democracy, and liberty is secured for
generations to come.
Below is a list of some of the most important rights and
responsibilities that all citizens—both Americans by birth and
by choice—should exercise, honor, and respect. Some of these
responsibilities are legally required of every citizen, but all are
important to ensure the continued vitality of our country and
democracy. Please accept our warmest welcome and best wishes
for the future.
Protecting Your Right to Work
Federal law states that employers cannot discriminate against
you because of your citizenship or immigration status or
national origin. Employers cannot treat you differently
because of your citizenship or because of your place of
birth, native language, accent, or appearance. Visit justice.
gov/crt/immigrant-and-employee-rights-section for
more information.
Now that you are a U.S. Citizen, you can...
Apply for a U.S. Passport
Now that you are a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a U.S.
passport from the U.S. Department of State. You may also apply
for a U.S. passport for any child under the age of 18 who
automatically acquired citizenship based on your naturalization.
Please visit travel.state.gov.
Register to Vote
As a new U.S. citizen, you may register to vote. You can
register to vote by applying in person, by mail, at public
assistance offices, or when you apply for or renew your
driver’s license. Visit the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s
website at vote.gov for more information.
Update Your Social Security Record
If you provided consent, USCIS can automatically transmit your
information to the Social Security Administration (SSA) so they
can update your status to that of a U. S. citizen in their systems.
SSA may contact you if there are any questions. It may take up
to 10 days after the naturalization ceremony before the USCIS
systems are able to be updated and transmit to SSA. If you did
not provide consent with your naturalization application, you
will need to contact SSA to update your records. You can visit
ssa.gov for more information.
Obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for
Your Child
If you have a child who is a lawful permanent resident
under the age of 18 on the day you naturalize, he or she may
have automatically acquired U.S. citizenship. For additional
information, see “I am the Child of a U.S. Citizen” at uscis.gov/
citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/i-am-the-child-of-a-
us-citizen
Sponsor Family Members to Come to the
United States
As a citizen of the United States, you may petition for
certain relatives to become lawful permanent residents and
obtain what is often referred to as a “Green Card.” For more
information, see “Family of U.S. Citizens” at uscis.gov/
family/family-of-us-citizens.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/
new-us-citizens
M-767 (04/24)
