There are many benefits to becoming a US Citizen. You probably knew the benefits of citizenship, even before reading the article. So why do the 9 million eligible Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) not become Citizens? There seem to be five major reasons why people don’t become Citizens:
#1) Cost
Becoming a citizen today will cost you $640. The days when immigrants paid just $35 for US Citizenship are long gone. That was the price in 1985 – even accounting for inflation, that price would be only $85 in 2021. The truth is that applying for US Citizenship is becoming more and more expensive.
Not just that: every time you renew your Green Card or have to replace it in case it gets lost or damaged, you pay $450!
“Why pay more for something tomorrow if you can pay less today”
#2) My English is Not Good Enough
Unlike getting a Green Card, to get US Citizenship a person has to pass an English and a Civics test. This US Citizenship test is not difficult. Many people who to this day do not speak English well have passed with just a little preparation and study. People put off applying for Citizenship because they are afraid of not passing these tests.
FileRight has a citizenship DVD to help you pass these tests. And if you apply now, you probably have a whole year to prepare for your test and interview, because the USCIS has a huge case backlog this year due to COVID-19.
#3) US Citizenship is Complicated
Many people feel that applying for US Citizenship is a complicated process. This is not true. Using an online preparation service like FileRight, you can prepare your application forms in as little as 45 minutes from the comfort of your home. You can even do it on your smartphone. Once you fill-in the form online, your application is automatically checked for errors, then printed and mailed to you. All you need to do is sign your application and mail it to USCIS!
#4) I will have to give up the Citizenship of my country
This is not true for most countries. Mexico, Canada, the UK and many more countries allow for dual citizenship. The US allows dual citizenship as well. To learn more about your dual citizenship between the US and your country of birth, please visit the following website: Dualcitizenship.com
#5) I will have to pay more taxes as a U.S. Citizen
This is not true, Green card holders typically pay the same local, state and federal taxes as U.S. Citizen’s. Once you get a U.S. green card, you automatically become a U.S. tax resident and must declare your entire income to the U.S. government. Even if you remain outside the U.S. for an entire year, you’ll still need to report your entire worldwide income. So the myth that you will need to pay more taxes as a U.S. Citizen is simply not true. The IRS generally treats both Green card holders and U.S. Citizens in the same manner and each must file a U.S. tax return Form 1040 each year.
You work hard for your money, and pay your taxes. Why give even more of your money to the U.S. government? Your English is good enough to pass the test! It’s not complicated to apply! And in most cases, dual citizenship rules mean that you don’t need to give up the citizenship of your birth country to become a US Citizen.
You can take control of your own future, your family’s future, your community’s future. You are here, reading this article. You can do this, because it’s the smart thing to do. Don’t let the Trump administration or any administration dictate YOUR future…. “Si se puede!”. Just do it.
