When the government complicates the path to citizenship, it influences who can fully participate in the political process. U.S. citizenship embodies more than documentation; it represents empowerment.

Citizenship grants rights such as voting, serving on juries, organizing freely, and expressing oneself with the assurance of legal protection. It is about shaping the future of the community you call home.

The Ohio Capital Journal is a nonprofit news outlet committed to informing Ohio residents about state government actions and their effects on everyday life.