The benefits of naturalization are enormous. US citizenship benefits include joining a family, investing, traveling, and pursuing professional aspirations, even in politics. Furthermore, an increase in naturalization contributes to cultural integration, economic growth, positive impact on the community, and cultivates a sense of belonging.
Resident non-citizens in the US should explore the potential benefits of obtaining US citizenship, despite the initial complexities. By doing so, they could remove the restrictions associated with temporary residency and take advantage of the privileges offered by citizenship, which could have several positive implications. Let’s take a look at a few advantages of doing so:
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Reduce the Risk of Deportation
Naturalization provides the key benefits of legal ability to remain in the United States. US citizenship provides assurance of compliance with regulations, eliminating risks from lack of authorization and enjoying legal protection. Green Card holders may be subject to removal if they are found to have committed certain criminal acts or engaged in activities that fall under the grounds of deportability established by U.S. immigration laws.
The story is entirely different if you are a citizen. However, be aware that, in accordance with immigration laws, your U.S. citizenship and benefits of naturalization may be revoked and stripped if USCIS discovers that you provided false information to gain lawful permanent residence or citizenship.
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Travel Benefits
One of the most powerful passports in the world is the U.S. passport. As a citizen, you will enjoy easy entry into almost every part of the world and reentry back into the United States. In some instances, you can visit foreign countries without even a visa.
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Authorization to Work continuously
As a citizen of the United States, you have the right to work and live in this country without any restrictions. You will have access to the same job opportunities as native-born citizens without worrying about renewing your work visa. You can use your skills, education, and experience to the fullest extent, no matter the location of the job. This is part of the US citizenship benefits.
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End of Renewal of Visa era
Another enormous US citizenship benefit is that as a United States citizen, there is no longer any requirement to renew your card confirming your lawful permanent resident status every ten years. Furthermore, you are no longer obliged to carry your green card or proof of status daily.
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Right to Petition for Family Members to gain entry
Your journey toward becoming a naturalized citizen may provide a path to residency for those close to you. U.S. citizens have exclusive access to petitioning parents, siblings, and married children for immigration to the U.S., while green card holders do not have this privilege for family reunification. Furthermore, in cases where both U.S. citizens and green card holders can petition for family members, the wait time for citizens’ relatives is usually much shorter.
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Earn the Right to Pass Citizenship to Children
Among the benefits of naturalization is that once you are naturalized as a U.S. citizen, your child born abroad may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth. What’s more, your unmarried children under the age of 18 will also be granted U.S. citizenship under certain conditions. Conditions for naturalization: lawful permanent residency, U.S. residence, and legal and physical custody by naturalizing parent.
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Earn the Right to Vote and the ability to hold Public Office
Naturalized citizens have access to government services and the privilege to benefit from the same federal advantages that are exclusive to U.S. citizens, including benefits of naturalization. Naturalized citizens can hold public office, vote in national elections, apply for federal positions, and serve in government roles.
In addition, there is the opportunity to apply for federal student loans for college. Moreover, citizens are constitutionally granted voting rights in any state or national U.S. election, irrespective of gender, race, or religion. As a naturalized citizen, you can vote for state, local, and national government representatives.
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Tax Advantage (Social Security Benefits)
Regarding taxes, U.S. citizens and green card holders may sometimes be treated differently. For example, citizens may be entitled to lower estate taxes and more tax exemptions. Furthermore, U.S. citizens are eligible for Social Security benefits, which are not accessible to green card holders.
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Jury Duty
Once a citizen, there are specific civic duties and responsibilities you have to comply with as required by law. Amongst such is your participation in jury duty whenever needed to serve. This is a US citizenship benefit as non-citizens and permanent residents are exempt from this duty.
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Rights to Public Benefits
Being naturalized offers many advantages and a comprehensive US citizenship benefit. This includes being eligible for Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, general assistance, and various state-level benefits. In addition, depending on location, legal permanent residents may have access help benefits. However, citizens can access many more. Therefore, although it may seem that you will never require any government support, it is impossible to foresee if a situation will arise where it may be needed.
Conclusion
Top 10 benefits of naturalization process of becoming a U.S. citizen can be daunting and complicated.
However, seeking the assistance of a reliable and experienced immigration attorney can make the process much more manageable with a better explanation of the US citizenship benefits and responsibilities. With the proper guidance, seeking U.S. citizenship can be a successful endeavor.
