Top 10 Benefits of Naturalization

Naturalization has a range of profound, positive benefits for individuals. For example, becoming part of an American family, having the ability to invest in a home or business, travel benefits, and pursuing any professional aspiration, including running for a political office, are all US citizenship benefits. Furthermore, an increase in naturalization contributes to cultural integration, economic growth, positive impact on the community, and cultivates a sense of belonging.

Although the whole naturalization process can be overwhelming and confusing at first, residents of the United States who hold permanent resident status but not full citizenship should consider the potential US citizenship benefits. 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.

Considering naturalization provides key protections and opportunities, it may be beneficial for you to seek citizenship. Here are a few advantages of doing so:

• Reduce the Risk of Deportation

Naturalization provides you with the legal ability to remain in the United States. By obtaining citizenship, you can be assured that you comply with all applicable regulations and requirements, eliminating the risk of difficulties due to a lack of authorization, hence enjoying protection under the law. 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 U.S. citizenship benefits may be revoked and stripped if USCIS discovers that you provided false information to gain lawful permanent residence or citizenship.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Earn the Right to Pass Citizenship to Children

Another US citizenship benefit 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. These conditions include having lawful permanent residency status, residing in the U.S., and being in the legal and physical custody of their naturalizing parent.

• 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. These include the ability to hold public office, voting rights in national elections, applying for federal positions, and occupying roles in the federal government and government entities. 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. Therefore, as a naturalized citizen, you can exercise your voting rights in choosing your state and local government representatives, as well as the president and vice president of the United States.

• 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.

• 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 inadvertently falls into US citizenship benefits as a non-citizen or an individual with permanent residence status cannot be randomly selected and summoned to perform this duty.

• 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

The 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.