Citizenship is a complex concept that can be defined in many ways. Youth tend to define it as acting appropriately, obeying laws, adhering to authority, and being a voter. While most people regardless of age would probably agree with this definition, researchers working within the field of youth development hold a broader view and define it as a set of abilities that give youth the capacity to “move beyond one’s individual self-interest and to be committed to the well-being of some larger group of which one is a member” (Sherrod, Flanagan, and Youniss, 2002).

Citizenship and contribution are important because of the benefits provided for both the youth and the communities in which they live. Research shows that young people who are involved with programs that build citizenship are less likely to engage in risk behaviors such as truancy and risky sexual behavior, (Flanagan & Van Horn, 2003; Kirby, 1999, 2002), more likely to view themselves as making positive contributions and more likely to remain civically engaged throughout their lifetimes (Roker, Player & Coleman, 1999; Youniss & Yates, 1999).

In the United States, those who are born on U.S. soil are automatically considered citizens of the U.S. Also, those who are born on foreign soil but to parents who are citizens are citizens. Those who move here after birth to non-citizen parents must apply for citizenship. There is an official test, and once the person passes it, they receive their citizenship in this country.

Citizens have automatic rights and obligations – such as the right to vote and the obligation to pay taxes. Also, those who are not citizens must regularly apply to remain here (although there are green cards and visas which extend for a lifetime in some circumstances – such as when you marry a U.S. citizen but do not with to give up your citizenship of your birth country). Some countries will allow dual-citizenship; but for most, you must choose one of another.

Asylum is a form of protection granted to individuals in the United States who have been persecuted or fear they will be persecuted on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Individuals who meet this definition of a refugee and who are already in the United States or who are seeking entry into the United States at a port of entry may qualify for a grant of asylum and be permitted to remain in the United States as long as they are not barred from either applying for or being granted asylum. Individuals who are granted asylum are eligible to apply to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident.

Unlike the U.S. Refugee Program, which provides protection to refugees by bringing them to the United States for resettlement, the U.S. Asylum Program provides protection to qualified applicants who are already in the United States or are seeking entry into the United States at a port of entry. Asylum-seekers may apply for asylum in the United States regardless of their countries of origin and regardless of their current immigration status. There are no quotas on the number of individuals who may be granted asylum each year.

Citizenship is the relationship between an individual and a sovereign state, defined by the laws of that state and with corresponding duties and rights. It implies the status of freedom with accompanying responsibilities. Citizenship is the most privileged form of nationality, a broader term which is used in international law to denote all persons whom a state is entitled to protect. Nationality also serves to denote the relationship between a state and entities other than individuals; corporations, ships, and aircraft, for example, possess a nationality. Modern concepts of citizenship crystallized in the 18th century during the American and French revolutions, when the term citizen came to suggest the possession of certain liberties in the face of the coercive powers of absolute monarchs.

A passport is a personal identification and travel document for international use issued by a sovereign State or a United Nations (UN) organization. Generally, only passports which are issued on the basis of a person’s citizenship are of any interest and use.

The Civics Flash Cards for the New Naturalization Test will help immigrants learn about U.S. history and government while preparing for the new naturalization test. These flash cards can also be used in the classroom as an instructional tool for citizenship preparation. The Civics Flash Cards for the New Naturalization Test are also available for purchase through the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO). To order hard copies of the Civics Flash Cards, follow the GPO link to the right or call 1-866-512-1800 (toll-free) or 202-512-1800 if you live in the Washington, DC metro area.

As you prepare for U.S. citizenship, Learn About the United States: Quick Civics Lessons for the New Naturalization Test will help you study for the civics and English portions of the naturalization interview. There are 100 civics (history and government) questions on the naturalization test. Learn About the United States contains short lessons based on each of the 100 civics (U.S. history and government) questions. This additional information will help you learn more about important concepts in American history and government.