The Benefits of Being a U.S. Citizen

If you’re a green card holder in the United States, you’ve probably given some thought to U.S. citizenship. Perhaps it was the whole reason you wanted to come to the U.S. in the first place, or maybe the prospect of becoming a fully-fledged U.S. citizen is a little less exciting than it used to be.

If you are on the fence about naturalization and aren’t sure whether or not becoming a U.S. citizen is right for you, take some time to consider the following benefits.

You Can’t Be Deported

Deportation is a threat that looms over every immigrant’s head. Even if you’ve been a green card holder or lived in the U.S. for many years, deportation is always a possibility. Once you become a U.S. citizen, though, this looming threat suddenly disappears. You’ll have the right to live as freely in the U.S. like every other citizen and you don’t have to worry about getting removed from the country – even if you are convicted of a crime.

You Can Vote in Any Election

Voting is the cornerstone of democracy in the U.S., and you only gain the right to do it when you become a U.S. citizen. This means that you’ll have the power to have your voice heard by voting in elections as grand as the presidential general election or as small as your city’s local election.

You Can Run for Elected Office

In addition to voting, you also gain the right to hold public office as a U.S. citizen after a certain period of time. For example, a naturalized citizen who wishes to run for a seat in the House of Representatives can do so seven years after becoming a U.S. citizen. The only political office that’s reserved only for U.S.-born citizens in the presidency.

Your Relatives Abroad Can Apply for Green Cards

Once you become a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor green cards for other members of your family, such as parents, adult children, siblings, and others whom you couldn’t sponsor with your green card.

Your Children Become U.S. Citizens

When you become a U.S. citizen, so too do your children – automatically! This applies even if your child is born out of the country.

You Can Travel with a U.S. Passport

Having a U.S. passport is a big deal. If you’re going on a short trip abroad, you can go to more than 180 places without a visa. Of course, you can stay out of the country for as long as you want to or go on as many trips as you want to take. If you find yourself in trouble abroad, U.S. citizenship also lets you seek help from the U.S. embassy.

You Can Apply to Work for the U.S. Government

Once you become a U.S. citizen, more opportunities to work open up. As a citizen, you can build your career working for the federal government, which can provide stable pay and many useful benefits.

Are You Ready to Become a U.S. Citizen?

If you are thinking about becoming a U.S. citizen and are an eligible green card holder, The Law Office of Mana Yegani can provide the legal assistance you need. To learn more about how our firm can provide the legal advice and services required for naturalization, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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