what are benefits of becoming a us citizen

^{Top 6 Benefits of Citizenship}

1. Protection from deportation. Becoming a U.S. citizen protects you and your children from deportation. ...
2. Citizenship for your children. Children under the age of 18 who are lawful permanent residents automatically become U.S. citizens when their parents naturalize.
3. Family reunification. U.S. citizens can file immigration petitions with the government to reunite with family members. ...
4. Eligibility for government jobs. Some jobs are available only to U.S. citizens, such as those in the federal government. Additionally, naturalized citizens on average do better economically than noncitizens.
5. Freedom to travel. LPRs’ travel time during a given year is restricted. U.S. citizens have the freedom to travel without these restrictions.
6. Ability to vote. The right to vote is also a benefit of U.S. citizenship. ...

Full Answer

What are the two most common ways to become an US citizen?

There are four fundamental ways to obtain U.S. citizenship: citizenship by birth in the U.S., citizenship through derivation, citizenship through acquisition, and citizenship through naturalization. Most immigrants in the United States become citizens through the naturalization process.

What is the true cost of becoming an US citizen?

The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application. Some applicants, however, can have these fees reduced or waived entirely.

How to successfully become an U.S. citizen?

To summarize, the general steps to becoming a US citizen are as follows:

• Apply for permanent residency;
• Obtain your green card;
• Reside in the US continuously for five years;
• Apply for naturalization;
• Pass your English Language and Civics tests;
• Attend a citizenship ceremony and take an Oath of Allegiance to the US; and
• Apply for your US passport.

What does it take to become an US citizen?

To become a US citizen, you must be 18 or older, proficient in English, and a law-abiding person. If you meet those requirements, one way you can try to get a green card is by having a family member who's already a citizen sponsor you. Another way to get a green card is through your job if you have an employment offer.

1. You can obtain a U.S. passport

When you become a U.S. citizen, you no longer need your green card, as you will have a naturalization certificate and officially be a U.S. citizen.

2. You can more easily travel to and from the U.S

If you are a green card holder, you may not be aware that you don’t have complete freedom to travel outside the U.S., as the U.S. government places some travel restrictions and rules on green card holders.

3. You can take longer trips outside the U.S

One of the travel restrictions placed on LPRs is the length of time the are able take for a trip.

4. You are shielded from deportation or removal

Once you become a U.S. citizen, immigration authorities cannot deport you under any circumstances, unless they denaturalize you.

5. You can petition for your family members

While the area of law governing giving lawful status to your family is extremely complicated, in general, you are eligible to sponsor your spouse, parent (s), and/or child (ren).

6. Your unmarried, minor children can become citizens

When you become a U.S. citizen, your unmarried, minor (under 18 years of age) children automatically become U.S. citizens as well, if they meet certain requirements.

7. You will have access to jobs, grants, and other government benefits reserved for U.S. citizens

Although you are eligible to work in the U.S. and receive many benefits as an LPR, there are some jobs and services that are only available to U.S. citizens.

How does a US passport work?

The U.S. passport is one of the most powerful in the world; it grant s you access to many countries without a visa. There are over 180 countries that a U.S citizen can travel to without applying for a visa. The passport also allows you to seek protection in any U.S. embassy abroad whenever needed . The U.S. passport also permits you to stay out of the country for long periods of time, without losing your status as a citizen, unlike green cardholders.

Can a naturalized citizen run for office?

Just like any other U.S-born citizen, a naturalized citizen can run for any electoral office they desire. They have a chance to be part of the leadership and politics of the country to exercise their democratic right as citizens. Through the oath of allegiance, the naturalized citizen swears to protect and preserve the U.S. constitution.

Why do some people choose to forgo citizenship?

There are only a few reasons — besides identifying more strongly with their native country — why some people deliberately choose to forgo U.S. citizenship in favor of remaining green card holders. You may be required to renounce your citizenship in other countries.

How old do you have to be to get a green card?

Any male who has lived in the United States or obtained their green card between the ages of 18 and 26 — unless they had an immigration status other than “green card holder” — must register with the Selective Service System. You may be called upon to serve on a jury.

What happens if you commit a crime that could make you deportable?

Your criminal history will be heavily scrutinized. If you’ve committed a crime that could make you deportable — such as immigration fraud, drug abuse, or domestic violence — it’s especially important to seek legal assistance before applying for naturalization. You may be called upon to serve in the military.

Can non-citizens vote?

Non-citizens may only vote in some local elections. If you want to influence leadership in your community or in the United States overall, the voting booth is the place to start. You can run for elected office. U.S. citizenship is required for federal office and for most positions in public office at the state and local levels.

Do you have to relinquish citizenship in Japan?

India, Japan, and a number of others, however, require you to relinquish your citizenship in those countries once you become an American. It’s best to check your home country’s policy on dual nationality before applying for naturalization if you intend to maintain your foreign citizenship.

How old do you have to be to become a US citizen?

When you become a US citizen, your children under 18 years of age also become Americans. As long as your children are lawful permanent residents living in the United States, and assuming they are in your physical and legal custody, they will become US citizens the moment you become one.

How long can a US citizen stay in the US?

Permanent lawful residents of the United States who travel outside the country for more than 180 days must apply for readmission to the US. However, as a US citizen you can stay abroad as long as you like without having to worry about your immigration status being affected.

How many countries can a US citizen visit?

To date, US citizens can visit 174 countries without needing to apply for a visa beforehand. Moreover, US citizenship entitles you to receive assistance from American embassies and consulates all over the world.

What is the right to vote?

Having US citizenship gives you the right to vote. And if you’re interested in serving as a public official in local or municipal government, most states require that candidates be US citizens, whether naturalized or whether they were born in the US. As a new American citizen, you will be eligible to run for most political offices across the country.

Can you be stripped of citizenship?

Contrary to legal permanent residents who may indeed be deported for breaking the law, naturalized US citizens who commit crimes cannot generally be stripped of their citizenship.

What are the benefits of being a citizen of the United States?

Robert Longley. Updated August 15, 2019. Many of the benefits of U.S. citizenship, such as the assurances of equal protection under the law and due process of law are granted by the U.S. Constitution and federal laws to both citizens and non-citizens living as lawful permanent residents in the United States. Immigrants to the United States who pass ...

What are the responsibilities of a citizen?

Citizens have a responsibility to participate in the political process by registering and voting in elections; Serving on juries is another responsibility of citizenship;

What is the Oath of Allegiance for citizenship?

Immigrants to the United States who pass the civics examination and take the Oath of Allegiance to complete the naturalization process of achieving full U.S. citizenship gain the full protection of the U.S. Constitution, along with several rights and benefits denied even to immigrants with long-time legal permanent resident status.

What is the role of naturalized citizens in the electoral process?

Perhaps most importantly, naturalized U.S. citizens gain the right to vote, and to run for and hold all elected government positions, except for President of the United States .

Can a child be born abroad?

citizen. In general, children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents may obtain full U.S. citizenship either at birth or and after birth but before the age of 18.

Can a naturalized citizen travel to the US?

Naturalized U.S. citizens may possess a U.S. passport, are protected from deportation, and have the right to travel and live abroad without the threat of losing their Legal Permanent Resident status. Citizens are also allowed to re-enter the U.S. repeatedly without being required to re-establish proof of admissibility.

What are the benefits of citizenship?

6. Ability to vote . The right to vote is also a benefit of U.S. citizenship. Only citizens have the opportunity to elect the leaders they believe will best represent themselves, their families and their communities.

Why is citizenship important?

Citizenship ensures equal access to critically important benefits for older people and people with disabilities. Many immigrants feel a strong connection to their country of origin. But U.S. citizenship does not mean losing your heritage.

When do children become citizens?

Children under the age of 18 who are lawful permanent residents automatically become U.S. citizens when their parents naturalize. Since individuals cannot apply to naturalize until they turn 18, this is truly a gift from parents to your children.

Do naturalized citizens get jobs?

Some jobs are available only to U.S. citizens, such as those in the federal government. Additionally, naturalized citizens on average do better economically than noncitizens. As a group they earn between 50 and 70 percent more than noncitizens, have higher employment rates and are less likely to live below the poverty line. New citizens could also see individual earnings increases of 8 to 11 percent, directly tied to more job preparation, better employment matches and a greater ability to switch jobs.