Citizenship is full membership in a nation. "Civitas" is the Latin word for citizen, which meant membership in a city, during ancient times. Citizenship includes rights and responsibilities. Some of these privileges are the right to vote, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. In return, citizens must obey the law, defend their country, pay taxes, and serve on a jury. They are also expected to help in their communities and perform other duties. Lots of people think that citizens also have duties not demanded by law.  For example, voting, learning about public problems, and trying to help others.

To become a citizen you have to fill out a certain form with information such as your name, address, birth date and social security number. You must bring the form to an Immigration Naturalization Service, along with two identical color photographs of yourself, evidence that you are a permanent resident in the United States(like an alien card) and 70 dollars. If you are born in a country, you are a citizen of that country. Some people have citizenship in two nations.  This is called dual citizenship or dual nationality.

 Not all the people in a nation are citizens of that country. The people living in a country that aren’t citizens of that country are called aliens. Illegal aliens are noncitizens living in a country without proper papers. Aliens must obey the laws of the country they’re traveling or living in.

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