ABSTRACT
United States citizenship provides rights and protections that grant security beyond what can be expected from human rights claims. Similarly, theories of moral obligation have not translated into actual protections for those vulnerable due to their legal status. In its most basic understanding, political obligation is understood as a justification for why citizens are obligated to carry out certain civic duties such as paying taxes or joining the military. The type of performance that would trigger state obligations needs to come from a rooted position, be sustained over time, and provide contributions to the larger social scheme. If states continue to recognize those performing citizenship, and see such performances as generating obligations on the part of the state, there will be serious policy implications. State and local governments have started to adopt policy proposals that extend rights, protections, and privileges to undocumented residents.
