As a Citizen of the U.S.

As a Citizen of the U.S. 

Being an American citizen with all the freedoms and opportunities this nation has to offer is the dream of many immigrants. These are what I believe are my rights as a citizen in the U.S.

MY RIGHTS:

• Vote in federal elections
• Serve on a jury
• Bring family members to the U.S.
• Obtain citizenship for child born abroad
• Travel with a U.S. passport
• Run for federal office
• Become eligible for federal grants and scholarships
• Freedom of speech, press and petition
• Freedom of religion
• Right to assemble 
• Trial by jury
• Equality 
• Miranda Rights

With these new rights, citizenship also brings with is some important responsibilities. As a  U.S. citizen, it is our duty to  give back to our adopted nation by fulfill these responsibilities.

MY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support and defend the Constitution
• Serve the country when required
• Pledge allegiance to the U.S.
• Respect and obey all laws set by the government, local, state, and federal
• Paying taxes
• Giving back to society
• Participate in the Democratic process
• Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others
• Participate in the local community
• Educate yourself

BENEFITS:

• The Right to Vote
• A Chance to Reunite Families
• A Way to Protect Children's Right to Remain in the U.S.
• Protection in Cases Involving Illegal Activity
• International Travel Made Easier
• Cannot be Deported
• Full Rights
• Protection
• Public Services: Medicare, Social Security, etc.
• More Job Opportunities 

These rights, responsibilities, and benefits have definitely evolved over time. There was a time when equality had to be fought for. There was also a time where the government did not provide social services to any one person. Now you can see how much the government provides for its citizens: social security, medicare, health care, and so much more. There was a time when you weren't guaranteed a fair trial. Now, we have trial by jury and other constitutional rights that guarantee citizens a fair trial. There was a time where people were being persecuted for their religion. Now we have the freedom of religion. There was a time where newspaper editorial were being imprisoned for their opinions and personal views. Now we have the freedom of speech to protect citizens and give them their right to say what is on their minds. Protests, revolutions, court cases all have had to been fought to guarantee all the rights and benefits we have now as citizens of the United States. 

Minorities: 

Minorities have been struggling over many issues since the beginning of time. Here are different minorities and how they have suffered in the past to gain equal rights. 

Blacks: 

Blacks were first brought into this country as slaves. They were brought in ships all the way from Africa and auctioned off as merchandise. They were separated from their families and loved ones. They went through harsh times when serving their cruel masters. They were treated as animals and were not given most of their natural rights. Finally, the Civil War took place, and slavery was diminished very slowly. But that did not solve most of their problems. Blacks were still not given many rights in America after the Civil War. They could not vote, own property, etc. A monumental point in history is the fight for the Black's civil rights under the leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. He lead the protests for full equality for all Blacks. He was against the segregation and brought huge change to society. But, even after Blacks were given the right to vote and were considered equal to whites, it took awhile for society to adjust. Slowly, blacks were accepted to colleges and universities and got jobs in the government and so on. But even today, you can still see Blacks facing problems when it comes to education and employment. Affirmative action statistics have shown that Blacks are the most unemployed and at times, uneducated. There is still racism present, and I believe that Blacks will never be looked at as completely equal because that is just how human society is. 

Hispanics: 

Hispanics are a huge minority these days. They are very prominent in California and Texas, but they are widespread across the U.S. Hispanics have had trouble finding good jobs. Many work in factories or doing man labor. In these work fields, they are not given decent pay nor benefits. To gain equal rights, many organizations have formed to fight for their rights and ensure there place in society. Examples of organizations and movements are The Chicano Movement, The National Council of La Raza, The Latino Civil Rights Movement, and so on. It is definitely a slow process, and it is still going to take awhile especially with all the extra scrutiny over Hispanics as being illegal immigrants. 

Women:

Women were at a time inferior to men and did not have many basic rights. They had to stay home and take care of the household. They were considered as men's property. They were only involved in the private sphere of life and had no place in the public sphere. Then, women fought for the right to vote. After they gained their suffrage rights, they also fought for other basic rights. From these monumental movements, women gained the right to own property, work outside of the home, and much more. Today, you see women considered equal to men and have full rights. But still, 100% equality is not guaranteed. Many statistics show that a woman who is working gets paid less than a man who has the exact same job. Feminists are still fighting for total and complete equality today. 

In general, I believe that minorities face problems in education and employment. They are under-represented and sometimes even deemed inferior. Societal illness such as drugs, crimes, illegal substance use are known to be more prevalent in minority communities. This tends to lead to fewer opportunities for them. Not only that, but prejudice and racism will always be present in any society. And as long as they are present, minorities will face inequality problems and will have to fight and suffer for their rights.

What I propose to do about this is to adapt affirmative action programs for the underrepresented minorities. Without such programs, statistics have shown that the likelihood of them getting a good education and a good job is less for many of them at times. Social services and such programs should go and help out the minority communities that are plagued with social illnesses. This might help in increasing opportunities for those interested and those who didn't have a chance at them before. Advocates of equality should continue the good work they are doing and keep supporting and fighting for minorities rights.