There are many benefits of US Citizenship. If you are an immigrant in the US with Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR), there are a few things you should know and consider before deciding whether to take the next step of giving up your Green Card and applying for citizenship.
In this article, we will cover 13 benefits available to you once you have passed the citizenship test and become a naturalized citizen.
The Right to Vote
You have the right to vote in all US elections once you are a citizen. This includes voting for candidates in Federal elections as well as the at state and local levels. You can check with your local government office on how to register to vote and receive your ballot.
The Right to Hold Public Office
You can also hold public office once you become a United States citizen. This includes positions such as working in law enforcement, becoming a judge, or running for elected office.
The Right to Receive Certain Government Benefits
As a citizen, you are entitled to more federal benefits than a Green Card holder, such as certain social Security benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid. You may also be eligible for food stamps and housing assistance and other need based programs.
The Right to Federal Grants for School
You may also qualify for certain federal grants for school as a citizen that you would not be eligible for as a non-citizen. These include the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.
The Right to Apply for a US Passport
As a citizen, you can apply for a US passport. This will allow you to travel freely to and from the US. You will not need a visa to enter the country as a tourist or business traveler.
When traveling abroad you’ll just need your passport to reenter the U.S. and if anything unfortunate happens, you will have access to US consulates and embassies around the world.
The Right to Sponsor Family Members for Green Cards
As a citizen, you are able to sponsor certain family members for green cards. This includes your spouse, children, and parents. You will also be able to sponsor other relatives such as siblings and cousins under certain circumstances.
Permanent Residency in the United States
You cannot be deported to your country of former citizenship or nationality if you are a citizen of the United States. Unless you have committed a serious crime, your citizenship is permanent.
Citizenship also gives you the opportunity to eventually petition for other family members to come and live in the U.S. as citizens or permanent residents.
Your Children Automatically Become U.S. Citizens
Your children born in the United States or abroad will automatically become U.S. citizens, as long as you meet certain residency requirements. If your child was born outside of the United States, they may still be eligible for citizenship if you are a U.S. citizen and meet other requirements.
You have more job security as a U.S. citizen
Because you cannot be deported, you have more job security as a U.S. citizen than as a Lawful Permanent Resident. Your employer cannot use your immigration status against you.
You can apply for Federal Jobs with the U.S. Government
As a U.S. citizen, unlike Lawful Permanent Residents, you are allowed to apply for all jobs with the federal government. This includes positions in the military, law enforcement, and other agencies. Many Federal jobs are only available to U.S. citizens.
The Right to Serve in the Military
While Green Card holders can also serve in the US military, there are more restrictions and requirement compared with citizens. Serving in the military is a great way to give back to your country and protect the freedoms that you enjoy as a citizen. It also provides educational opportunities that will be covered by the government.
Tax Benefits with Your Spouse
If your spouse is also an American citizen, you can leave them real estate in your will. That real estate will transfer to your spouse and be exempt from property taxes through the unlimited marital deduction. This can save you a lot of money.
As just a green card holder you would face many more delays through the court process during this difficult time.
Free from Dealing with Immigration Paperwork
Once you become a United States citizen, immigration paperwork and the expense associated with regularly renewing your green card are no longer necessary. You can use your driver’s license, state ID, and social security card when applying for work or government assistance benefits.
Benefits of US Citizenship Wrap Up
These are just a few of the benefits that come with US citizenship. There are many advantages to upgrading from your permanent resident status and starting on the path to United States citizenship.
