<P> National citizenship signifies membership in the country as a whole; state citizenship, in contrast, signifies a relation between a person and a particular state and has application generally limited to domestic matters . State citizenship may affect (1) tax decisions and (2) eligibility for some state - provided benefits such as higher education and (3) eligibility for state political posts such as U.S. Senator . </P> <P> In Article One of the Constitution, the power to establish a "uniform rule of naturalization" is granted explicitly to Congress . </P> <P> U.S. law permits multiple citizenship . A citizen of another country naturalized as a U.S. citizen may retain their previous citizenship, though they must renounce allegiance to the other country . A U.S. citizen retains U.S. citizenship when becoming the citizen of another country, should that country's laws allow it . Citizenship can be renounced by American citizens who also hold another citizenship via a formal procedure at a U.S. Embassy, and it can also be restored . </P> <Ul> <Li> Freedom to reside and work . United States citizens have the right to reside and work in the United States . Certain non-citizens, such as permanent residents, have similar rights; however, non-citizens, unlike citizens, may have the right taken away . For example, they may be deported if convicted of a serious crime . </Li> <Li> Freedom to enter and leave the United States . United States citizens have the right to enter and leave the United States freely . Certain non-citizens, such as permanent residents, have similar rights . Unlike permanent residents, U.S. citizens do not have an obligation to maintain residence in the U.S.--they can leave for any length of time and return freely at any time . </Li> <Li> Voting for federal office in all fifty states and the District of Columbia is restricted to citizens only . States are not required to extend the franchise to all citizens: for example, several states bar citizen felons from voting, even after they have completed any custodial sentence . The United States Constitution bars states from restricting citizens from voting on grounds of race, color, previous condition of servitude, sex, failure to pay any tax, or age (for citizens who are at least eighteen years old). Historically, many states and local jurisdictions have allowed non-citizens to vote; however, today this is limited to local elections in very few places . Citizens are not compelled to vote . </Li> <Li> Freedom to stand for public office . The United States Constitution requires that all members of the United States House of Representatives have been citizens for seven years, and that all senators have been citizens for nine years, before taking office . Most states have similar requirements: for example California requires that legislators have been citizens for three years, and the Governor have been a citizen for five years, upon taking office . The U.S. Constitution requires that one be "a natural born Citizen" and a U.S. resident for fourteen years in order to be President of the United States . The Constitution also stipulates that otherwise eligible citizens must meet certain age requirements for these offices . </Li> <Li> Right to apply for federal employment . Public service is a worthy endeavor and can lead to an extremely rewarding career working for the American people . Many federal government jobs require applicants to have U.S. citizenship . U.S. citizens can apply for federal employment within a government agency or department . </Li> <Li> Freedom to pursue "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". As a society based on individual freedom, it is the inherent right of all Americans to pursue "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness ." The United States is a land of opportunity . People are able to choose their own path in life based on personal goals and objectives . Americans can make their own decisions and pursue their own interests as long as it does not interfere with the rights of others . </Li> </Ul>

What must an immigrant to the united states agree to before he or she can become a us citizen