There are many people in India who possess U.S. citizenship but may have never lived in the United States before. American citizenship comes with certain rights and responsibilities that every citizen should be aware of. As a U.S. citizen abroad, you should be aware that certain responsibilities are requirements of all U.S. citizens, regardless of where you live.

All U.S. citizens are required to:

• Enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport, regardless of what other nationality you may possess. This is federal law. Sec 215(b) INA [USC 1185]
• File an income tax report with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year.
• If you are male, register with the Selective Service System at age 18 for possible conscription into the armed forces. (Although no one has been drafted in the U.S. since 1973, draft registration continues for possible reinstatement on some future date.)

All U.S. citizens have the following rights:

• Right to work and reside in the U.S.
• Right to vote in federal elections
• Right to petition for close relatives to live in the U.S.
• Rights as stated in the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights