With the United States and political candidates anti-immigration instances, many more people are actually applying for their citizenship this year. According to the Los Angeles Times article only in California, there are around 2.2 million people eligible to file for their citizenship or naturalization. From our experience most who are not filing for citizen is either because they do not have the means to pay for the high N-400 (Naturalization) fees or they do not want to lose their country’s of birth citizenship. For example many Indians prefer to stay on a green card rather than filing for citizenship because India does not allow dual citizenships. However many green card holders should actually consider to file for their citizenships because:

1. US Citizens Can Vote

The ability to vote is one of the most important reasons people should actually consider becoming a US citizen. Many have moved to the United States from countries where there is no democracy, this is a chance to actually exercise freedom of choice and expression.

2. Citizens cannot be deported unless denaturalized.

Many find themselves in very difficult situations sometimes because of one mistake which can lead to deportation or inadmissibility. For instance, here is an unfortunate situation where a person did not know he was not a US citizen, and was unfortunately convicted of a deportable offense. This person was brought by his parents to the United States as a child and obtained a permanent residence. Unbeknownst to this person he thought he was a US citizen because his parents were US citizens. But he did not know that his parents became US citizens after he turned 18. As such he was not a derivative US citizen. When he was 19, he got involved unfortunately with a gang which actually he left and went back to school. However, the gang came back to him and ask for his help. He actually did regretfully helped. He was arrested convicted and put in immigration hold. Ultimately he was deported. Had he becoming a US citizen, he would not have been deported.

3. Getting a US Passport which give access to many countries.

Having a US passport not only gives you access to many countries but also gives you an ability to work in some other countries with a reasonably higher salary. The US passport can be a ticket for many other things including less hassle at the airport and often avoiding secondary inspections.

4. Live Abroad indefinitely

Many are being offered very good jobs abroad, however they do not want to stay overseas indefinitely. Being a US citizen allows you to stay abroad for a long time without losing your citizenship. This allows you to meet your goals and ultimately not having to take permission to stay abroad for a long time like in the case of a permanent residence. Note that permanent residents can lose their greencards by overstaying abroad and even their ability to file for a citizenship.

5. Ability to take Federal Jobs and even Run for Office.

Many federal jobs including working for the DHS requires that you are a US citizen. By obtaining a US citizenship, it broadens your horizon in obtaining such jobs. In addition, you can even run for US congress as a naturalized citizen. Therefore the advantages might actually be big.

6. Education, Scholarships and helping your children.

Education is very important and many are unable to obtain certain grants, or even a scholarship for you or for your children. Being a US citizen is actually very helpful when it comes to obtaining certain grants and scholarships.

7. Petitioning for Your Family and relatives to come to the United States

Unlike permanent residents, US citizens can actually file for their parents and siblings. This allows family unity and unless someone becomes a US citizen, such things cannot actually be done.

The seven reasons mentioned above are just only few incentives why you should consider filing for a US citizenship. There are many other reasons why it is important to file for your naturalization.

For those who need help on their Naturalization or Citizenship process, feel free to call us at (510) 742 5887.