Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

The United States offers several ways for foreign nationals to live and work in the U.S. legally. Many immigrants who come to the United States plan to eventually become citizens. The path to citizenship is long and complicated, but it can be incredibly rewarding.

While permanent resident status has several advantages, the U.S. citizenship benefits that come with naturalization are far greater. For many, citizenship is the natural next step after becoming a permanent resident. However, citizenship comes with responsibilities as well.

You Will Have Protection From Deportation

Permanent residents, also known as green card holders, can be deported from the U.S. after committing certain crimes. Drug convictions, lying on immigration applications, marriage fraud, and domestic violence could all land you in immigration court—even if you’re a minor. Protect yourself and your children by becoming a citizen.

After becoming a U.S. citizen, you cannot be deported to your home country. Naturalized citizens have as much right to live in the United States as American-born citizens. U.S. citizenship will protect you from deportation.

Finally, an End of Immigration Paperwork

Next on our list of the benefits of U.S. citizenship is an end to the seemingly endless immigration paperwork. A permanent resident card must be renewed every 10 years. U.S. citizens never have to renew their citizenship. Naturalization means an end to filing immigration paperwork. 

And end to paperwork also no more filing fees. In the long run, applying for U.S. citizenship can be less expensive than paying for a green card renewal over and over. 

Citizenship for Your Children. Their Citizenship is FREE & Automatic!

When you become a citizen, your children do too. Permanent resident children of U.S. citizens automatically receive citizenship when a parent naturalizes. Save them the pain of paying $1,170 for a Certificate of Citizenship after they turn 18. Give them the full rights of citizenship now, including protection from deportation.

Children can’t apply for citizenship through naturalization. Instead, they automatically receive citizenship for free when a parent naturalizes, as long as they are under 18 and in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent. If you have a child born abroad, that child may inherit your U.S. citizenship status as well.

You Can Sponsor More Family Members for Citizenship

The right of U.S. citizens to petition relatives for permanent residency is another important benefit of citizenship. A United States citizen can bring more family to the U.S. sooner. Permanent residents can also petition relatives, but not nearly as many and the process takes much longer.

Only U.S. citizens can sponsor parents and siblings. There are an unlimited number of immigrant visas for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (parents, children, and spouses) each year. That means their visas are processed faster.

You Will Be Able to Vote in U.S. Elections

Permanent residents cannot vote in U.S. elections. When it comes to U.S. citizenship, the right to vote is one of the most important benefits offered. Only U.S. citizens have the right to shape the country by voting in federal, state, and local elections.  American Citizenship Day serves as a reminder of the importance of this democratic right.

You Will Enjoy Travel Benefits

After obtaining U.S. citizenship you will be able to apply for a U.S. passport. A U.S. passport gives you one of the best travel benefits by allowing you to move freely throughout most of the world without a visa. 

U.S. permanent residents need to obtain special permission to leave the country for longer than a year or risk losing their status. If a relative falls ill, you may want to return home to care for them. Having citizenship means you can focus on your loved ones and not have to worry about expiring immigration documents.

Your U.S. passport also allows you to get assistance from the U.S. government outside of the country. For example, when U.S. citizens travel abroad, they can seek help from U.S. embassies and consulates if they are a victim of a crime or need help during emergencies or disasters.

You Will Have Increased Earning Potential

Research shows that naturalized citizens achieve an increase in earnings by 8-11% nationally. Citizenship ensures you’re proficient in the English language, committed to remaining in the country, enables you to travel freely with a U.S. passport, and simply gain access to more jobs. 

And finally, employers often prefer to hire citizens over non-citizens. When citizens and noncitizens are equally qualified for a job, employers may legally choose U.S. citizenship as the basis for employment.

You Can Work for the Government

While a work visa will allow you to hold most jobs, only U.S. citizens can apply for most jobs within the federal government. For example, only U.S. citizens can be police officers. Federal jobs tend to be very secure and high-paying.

You Can Become an Elected Official

If you want to make a difference in your community, you can run for elected office as a US citizen. Elected officials are the ones who create laws and regulations at the local, state, and federal level.

There Are Tax Benefits With U.S. Citizenship

U.S. citizens and green card holders may not always be treated the same when it comes to taxes. Citizens may pay less for estate taxes and may be eligible for more tax exemptions. U.S. Citizens are also eligible for Social Security benefits.