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Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

When an immigrant decides to live in the United States permanently, they have two options: stay indefinitely on a green card or take the next step and apply for citizenship. Each path has unique advantages and disadvantages, so the correct choice for one person may not be suitable for the next.

Specific obligations and responsibilities accompany the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. For example, an individual must pass English and civics exams and pay extra fees. However, citizenship is also characterized by exceptional benefits, including voting rights and enhanced travel options, making it a compelling choice for many who settle here.

 

Citizens Can Stay Permanently and Unconditionally

Although a green card holder is formally known as a lawful permanent resident (LPR), only U.S. citizenship guarantees the right to remain in the country under any circumstance. For example, LPRs can be deported if they perpetrate a crime and must regularly renew their status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Conversely, naturalized citizens have a perpetual and irrevocable right to live, work, and freely move throughout the country. Furthermore, they can enjoy these benefits without continually filing paperwork to update their legal status.

Immigration Benefits Extend to Family Members

When a person becomes a citizen, their children and other foreign-born family members will also reap rewards. For example:

• Minor children under the custodial care of a naturalized citizen parent automatically become U.S. citizens.
• Because there is no limit to the number of visas the U.S. State Department can issue to immediate relatives of citizens, family members can receive a visa endorsement to enter the U.S. without waiting.
• A green card petition filed by an individual with a sponsoring U.S. citizen relative will be approved and processed more swiftly than other green card applications.
• Citizens can sponsor a broader range of relatives to acquire green cards, including parents, siblings, and married adult children.

The Right to Vote Is Granted Only to Citizens

By voting in local, state, and federal elections, U.S. citizens have the opportunity to have an impact on decisions that will affect everyone who lives there.

Voting is a fundamental part of the American experience that empowers natural-born and naturalized citizens to weigh in on issues that may impact their daily lives. Unfortunately, other immigrant categories, including LPRs, lack citizen voting rights. 

Citizens Have Access to More Financial Opportunities

U.S. tax law provides unique fiscal benefits to citizen couples. For instance, when an individual wills real estate to their spouse, more favorable property tax laws apply to their estate if both parties are citizens.

Additionally, only citizens can collect Social Security benefits, and some federal grants and college tuition subsidies are not available to non-citizen immigrants.

Only Citizens Can Serve as Federal Workers or Elected Officials

According to a report released by the Congressional Research Service, federal agencies employ over two million workers throughout the country. Although work permits open many doors to foreign-born immigrants, most of these secure, benefit-rich federal positions can only be filled by U.S-citizen employees. 

Citizens are also the only individuals eligible to run for elected office within the U.S. government. Naturalized citizens can serve in this capacity at most federal, state, and local levels, where they can help establish laws and shape the future of their communities.

U.S. Citizens Enjoy Expanded Freedom to Travel

Immigrants are often limited in the amount of time they can spend outside the United States. If they are gone when their residency permit expires or if they spend too much time outside the country, they run the risk of losing their legal status and may be barred from reentry.

However, a citizen can apply for a U.S. passport that:

• Gives them permission to travel to many areas of the world, including 187 foreign countries, without needing a visa endorsement. 
• Provides a valid form of photo identification.
• Makes it easier to re-enter the country after traveling abroad.
• Helps citizens obtain assistance from U.S. embassies in other countries.

Becoming a U.S. Citizen

People who have been in the United States as green card holders for at least five years can apply for naturalization. This process begins with filing a U.S. citizenship application, Form N-400. 

Once all testing and interview requirements are satisfied, and the USCIS gives final approval, applicants will be free to enjoy the many benefits of their newly acquired U.S. citizenship.