What is citizenship?

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.

Citizenship originated with the Greeks.  Centuries ago, the Greeks organized their society through the polis (a small township).  Every person in the polis was considered a citizen if they were actively involved in the polis and its life and promotion.  Today, there are many people born in the U.S. who are not actively involved in their community, but they still retain the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship simply through birth.