The road may be long and arduous, but the rewards and benefits are great.
The United States is, to this day, a nation that continues to depend on immigrants, who represent the main economic growth and development of the country. Those who complete the naturalization process obtain the full protection of the United States Constitution, along with several benefits that are not provided to immigrants with legal permanent residence status. Here are the main benefits and privileges that US citizenship offers:
1. UNLIKELY RISK OF DEPORTATION
Permanent residents with green cards can still be deported from the country for various reasons, such as committing a serious crime or remaining physically outside of the U.S. beyond the permitted time period.
2. LONG-TERM COST REDUCTION BY NATURALIZATION
The green card renewal fee is $540.00 and according to the data it is a cost that will continue to increase over time. However, the filing fee for the naturalization application is $725, which by becoming a US citizen will not require any renewals in the future. You also won't have to notify USCIS every time you move.
3. IMMIGRATION OF RELATIVES TO THE COUNTRY
Only US citizens can apply for all of these categories of relatives:
Parents
Siblings
Minor children
Adult sons and daughters (including those who are married)
This is in comparison to green card holders, who can only file applications for spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult children.
4. RIGHT TO HAVE A U.S. PASSPORT
With a U.S. passport you will be authorized to visit more than 180 countries without a visa. Another great benefit is returning to the United States without restrictions that may apply to lawful residents.
5. RIGHT TO VOTE
Once you obtain U.S. citizenship, you also earn the power to vote in local, municipal, and federal elections. We believe all U.S. citizens should strive to participate in their civic duties by voting at every election they can, in order to see the improvement they want.
6. ACCESS TO MORE OPPORTUNITIES
As a U.S. citizen, you are eligible to apply for all federal benefits, jobs, scholarships, college assistance, among other government benefits. You can even choose to work and live abroad because U.S. citizens are not restricted by travel limitations. In contrast, a green card holder has a maximum time abroad of 180 days on a single trip, and further restrictions during the statutory period before applying for citizenship.
7. CHILDREN BORN ABROAD MAY BECOME US CITIZENS
Any children who were not born in the U.S. may be eligible to derive U.S. citizenship from the U.S. citizen parent(s). If your child was born abroad, contact an attorney to learn more.
Remember that there are certain eligibility requirements to obtain citizenship. Which are summarized in the following:
Be a resident for five years, or three years if your petitioner is your U.S. citizen spouse.
Remain physically in the United States for at least 30 months during the last five years.
Maintain good moral character.
Be able to read, write and communicate orally in basic English
Pass the civic knowledge exam
Accept the principles of the constitution.
Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
We know that becoming a US citizen today implies a great challenge and therefore many do not dare to begin the process. At Mundo Legal we are committed to guiding you step by step in your application process for US citizenship to achieve together the life and freedom you deserve.
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