If you are a lawful permanent resident, you may wonder if it is worth becoming a U.S. citizen. The naturalization process can be expensive, and citizenship often seems to offer no additional benefits beyond those of lawful permanent residence. However, in this article, we will discuss the extra benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen:
Protection from Deportation
If you obtain U.S. citizenship, you would have the same rights and obligations as a person born in the United States. Most importantly, you would not lose those rights or be deported under circumstances that a lawful permanent resident could be. For example, if a lawful permanent resident commits certain crimes, he or she could be placed in removal proceedings and lose his or her lawful permanent resident status forever. This is not something that would happen if you obtained citizenship. While it is true that the current administration has threatened to strip some people of their citizenship, the denaturalization process is rare and generally occurs if citizenship was obtained through illegal means or fraud.
Protection Against Changes in Immigration Law
In addition to protecting you from deportation, citizenship may protect you against changes in immigration laws. As you probably know, under the current administration, changes in immigration laws are more frequent than usual, and citizenship could give you peace of mind in the face of these changes.
Ability to Confer Citizenship to Children and Petitioning for Other Relatives
Another reason many lawful permanent residents choose to apply for citizenship is to be able to pass on citizenship to their children or petition for other relatives. If you obtain citizenship, your children may automatically be citizens through you. Likewise, U.S. Citizens can sponsor more family members to become permanent residents. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you can only petition for your spouse and your unmarried children, and the process can take years while you wait for a visa to become available. Unlike them, naturalized citizens can petition for their spouses and unmarried children under 21 much more quickly and for other relatives, such as adult children, parents, and siblings, which is not possible if you are only a lawful permanent resident.
Ability to Remain Abroad
If you are a lawful permanent resident, you should not remain outside the United States for more than 6 months in a year. If you remain outside the country for more than 6 months, but especially more than a year, you could lose your lawful permanent residency due to abandonment. In contrast, American citizens can remain outside the country for years or even move to another country without risk of losing their citizenship.
In addition, obtaining a U.S. passport makes the process of re-entering the United States after traveling easier and safer and allows one to travel to almost any country worldwide without a visa.
Access to Public Benefits
Although some lawful permanent residents have access to certain public benefits, these are limited. After obtaining citizenship, you may have full access to certain government programs that are only available to citizens.
Right to Vote and Participate in Government
If you become a naturalized citizen, you may be able to vote in local, state, and federal elections. Additionally, you may be able to apply for jobs that are only available to citizens, as well as run for public office at both the local and state levels.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
It is advisable to at least consult with an attorney to determine if you are eligible to apply for citizenship and screen your case for any potential adverse factors that could put the application at risk, such as extensive travel outside the United States, complex immigration history, criminal records, or tax or child support debts.
At Bienvenidos Law Firm, Inc., we have over 25 years of experience in naturalization cases. Please call us at 763-951-2235 or email blf@bienvenidoslaw.com to schedule an appointment today!
