The United States has highlighted eight important steps and opportunities available to immigrants after they obtain American citizenship through naturalisation.
The guidance from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) outlines practical actions new citizens can take, including obtaining a US passport, updating their Social Security records, sponsoring eligible relatives and registering to vote.
Here are the key steps:
1. Apply for a US passport
Newly naturalised citizens can apply for a US passport through the US Department of State. The passport serves as official evidence of citizenship alongside the Certificate of Naturalisation.
2. Update Social Security records
New citizens are encouraged to contact the Social Security Administration to update their records and reflect their new citizenship status.
3. Sponsor eligible family members
Naturalised US citizens can petition for certain eligible relatives to obtain lawful permanent residence, commonly referred to as a Green Card. Applicants are required to meet applicable sponsorship and financial conditions.
4. Obtain citizenship documents for children
Some children may automatically become US citizens when their parent becomes a naturalised citizen. Eligible parents can apply for a Certificate of Citizenship to formally document their children’s citizenship status.
5. Register to vote
New citizens can register to vote through the appropriate state or federal registration channels. USCIS identifies voter registration as both a right and a responsibility of American citizenship.
6. Replace a lost Certificate of Naturalisation
Citizens whose Certificate of Naturalisation has been lost, stolen or damaged can apply for a replacement by submitting Form N-565 to USCIS.
7. Update driver’s licence records
New citizens who have changed their name or address can update their driver’s licence or state identification records through the Department of Motor Vehicles in their state.
8. Explore business opportunities
New Americans can explore entrepreneurship and business support programmes offered by the US Small Business Administration. These include business counselling, access to funding and contracting opportunities.
The USCIS guidance is aimed at helping newly naturalised citizens understand the practical steps available to them and make use of the rights, responsibilities and opportunities that come with US citizenship.