So now that I’m an American Citizen, what changes? People might be wondering or asking what changes now that I’m officially an American. To be honest with you, there isn’t really much that changes. I still pay taxes, that might be the biggest one. For those of you who think that Permanent Residents (what I used to be) don’t have to pay taxes, you’ve got it totally wrong. The illegal aliens don’t pay taxes. That’s why they’re illegal.

I get to vote. That’s a major change too. I couldn’t vote before and honestly, I didn’t really care, but lately, it just seems like perhaps I really should vote. I realize of course that I’m only one vote, but really, it could make a difference if everyone who didn’t vote actually did vote.

I can now work in a federal job. While this might not really appeal to everyone, I had applied for a federal job in the past and was rejected for the sole reason that I was not a citizen. I’m pretty sure it was because I would be working with computers and some areas required at least “Secret” (as opposed to Top Secret) clearance. Well, you can’t get any clearance if you’re not a citizen. So there you have it.

Other than that, there’s nothing else changing in my life. Perhaps now I will get the job of my dreams working for the FBI or something. That might be exciting. Most likely not though. Oh, I do have to go to the Social Security office to let them know I’m a citizen now. I’m not sure if it has to do with Social Security payouts. Who knows, I just have to let them know about it.

Also, I’d like to say for the record, for those of you who say that the test is very hard: Yes, it’s pretty tough, only because some of those questions are crazy, but I personally think they try to make it as easy as possible on you. Not to say it’s easy for a terrorist to become a citizen, because it’s not. But I’m pretty sure when you apply they do a very thorough background check on you. That’s the real hard part. Don’t lie about any legal things going on with your life. Especially if you were out of country or arrested for whatever reason. But the test is pretty easy if you study. This all changes in October 2008 though. The citizenship test is a real test! I looked at the questions and they’re pretty damn hard! I’m glad I got my citizenship now!

Are there any changes that I missed by becoming an American Citizen?