Becoming a United States citizen is a significant milestone that opens the gateway to new opportunities. While lawful permanent residents enjoy many rights, full citizenship provides additional benefits that can substantially enhance your life in the United States
As a U.S. citizen, you gain the fundamental right to participate in democracy through voting. This includes casting your ballot in federal, state, and local elections to help shape the future of your community through decisions on key policies and ballot measures. Voting is a cornerstone of citizenship, and as a naturalized citizen, you gain this right and the opportunity to make your voice count at every level of government.
Citizenship offers opportunities for meaningful civic involvement beyond just voting. You can run for elected office at the local, state, or federal level, fill various civic leadership roles, and take an active role in shaping your community’s future. This could mean serving on a school board, participating in a city council, or seeking a seat in your state legislature. Additionally, citizens enjoy the freedom to express themselves and the freedom to worship as they wish, core principles that encourage open and diverse participation in public life.
U.S. citizenship strengthens your ability to reunite with family members abroad. You can petition for immediate relatives, spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents, while benefiting from faster processing times. Citizenship also allows you to sponsor other family members, like married adult children and siblings, who in addition to parents, aren’t eligible through permanent residency. Children under 18 who are lawful permanent residents may automatically gain U.S. citizenship when a parent naturalizes, offering them a stable foundation to pursue their dreams, including the freedom to pursue expanded and better opportunities. Becoming a citizen offers greater stability and a more reliable path to reunification and long-term residence.
One of the most valuable benefits of U.S. citizenship is the lasting security it provides. Citizenship creates stability for you and your family, allowing you to live permanently in the United States without the fear of deportation. Unlike permanent residents, citizens don’t have to worry about renewing their green card or paying immigration filing fees, and you won’t need to notify USCIS every time you move. Citizenship grants peace of mind and reinforces your right to a prompt, fair trial by jury—a fundamental legal protection of the American justice system.
Becoming a U.S. citizen gives you stronger travel rights and protections while abroad. As a citizen, you can use special customs and passport lines when returning to the U.S., and you have the right to get help from U.S. embassies and consulates in other countries. You can also travel more freely, without worrying about visa requirements or losing your status because of long trips. Unlike permanent residents, U.S. citizens don’t need to maintain continuous residence in the U.S. and cannot be denied reentry, no matter how long they’ve been away.
Career and financial possibilities can expand significantly with citizenship. You gain eligibility for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship, including roles in government and public service. It can unlock options for financial aid, scholarships and educational programs that only U.S. citizens qualify for. Certain state, governmental, and municipal job opportunities become accessible as a citizen. By eliminating green card renewal costs and expanding access to jobs and education, you build a foundation for long-term success and help secure a better future for your family.
The path to naturalization involves several steps, including determining your eligibility, completing the application process, and passing the citizenship test. At Washington New Americans, we are here to provide guidance and support to empower you throughout your citizenship journey.
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