1. Travel with a U.S. passport: A U.S. passport enables you to travel to several countries without needing a tourist visa and getting assistance from the U.S. government when overseas, if necessary.

2. Keep your residency: A U.S. citizen’s right to remain in the United States cannot be taken away even when living outside the U.S. for long periods of time without coming to the U.S.

3. Bring family members to the U.S.: U.S. citizens generally get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to this country.

4. Obtain citizenship for children under 18 years of age: In most cases, a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen is automatically a U.S. citizen.

5. Apply for federal jobs: Certain jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship.

6. Become eligible for federal grants and scholarships: Many financial aid grants, including college scholarships and funds given by the government for specific purposes, are available only to U.S. citizens.

7. Obtain government benefits: Some government benefits are available only to U.S. citizens, and by being an U.S. citizen you’ll be able to enjoy them if you qualify.

8. Become an elected official: Only citizens can run for federal office (U.S. Senate or House of Representatives) and for most state and local offices.

9. The right to Vote: Only citizens can vote in federal elections. Most states also restrict the right to vote, in most elections, to U.S. citizens.