Getting your U.S. citizenship can provide you with a wealth of opportunities and privileges that will enhance your life. Although it's a common process, it's ideal to have an immigration attorney assist you. The legal system can be confusing, and rules aren't always easy to understand. You might experience setbacks or make mistakes that an attorney will help you avoid.
While getting a Green Card and becoming a permanent resident has many advantages, there are even more benefits that come with citizenship. Whether you currently hold a Green Card or not, here are some of the best reasons to pursue U.S. citizenship.
- You'll get the right to vote
If voting is important to you, this will be one of the best benefits of becoming a United States citizen. Getting the right to vote in all state and federal elections is a big deal. In addition to that, you'll have the ability to run for public office and serve on a jury. Not everyone likes the idea of being on a jury, but some people actually do enjoy it. Jury duty is a responsibility that you acquire automatically when you register to vote.
- A U.S. passport
Having a passport is essential for international travel, and sometimes it's required for identification purposes. However, having a U.S. passport can give you several advantages over holding a passport from a different country. For example, you'll get through security lines in the U.S. at airports much faster, and you'll get to travel to certain countries without a visa. Instead, you'll get anESTA, and approval can take just weeks, so you won't need to plan your travels years in advance.
- You can sponsor family members
Once you become a U.S. citizen, you can petition the court to bring your spouse, parents, and unmarried children into the country.
- You'll be eligible for government benefits
There are a variety of government benefits you'll be eligible for when you become a U.S. citizen. For example:
- Social Security
- Social Security Disability (SSI)
- Unemployment
- Food stamps
- Housing assistance
- And more
Once you get a Social Security number, you'll begin paying a portion of the money you earn from employment into your Social Security account. When you decide to retire, this money becomes available to you at a set monthly amount that will increase over time as you spend more time working.
While working for employers as a citizen, you'll also be paying into the unemployment system, and if you end up losing your job for a reason that qualifies, you'll have access to unemployment benefits for a certain period of time.
Food stamps come in handy when you're not quite making enough money to make ends meet. If you qualify, your state will give you a certain amount of money every month loaded onto a debit card that you can use to buy most food items with a few restrictions.
Housing assistance is also a great benefit. If you qualify, there are several types of benefits. One is getting a voucher that will pay a portion of your monthly rent. Another advantage is being able to get on a waiting list for affordable housing even if you don't have a voucher.
- Access to federal jobs
There are many high-paying federal jobs that require security clearances, and you need to be a U.S. citizen to apply. This is a nice benefit if you're looking for ways to earn more money and take on potentially more responsibilities than your average job.
- You can access federal financial aid
If you want to go to college, being a U.S. citizen will give you access to various government grants, scholarships, and student loan opportunities. You'll also have access to in-state tuition rates, which is usually a massive savings. Colleges and universities typically charge drastically higher rates for people who are not state residents.
- Access to Medicare and Medicaid
These two health programs are only available to U.S. citizens. Medicaid provides medical treatment to people with low incomes, while Medicare is for seniors.
Citizenship is worth the effort
Whether your goal is simply to live in the United States long-term, build a business, or stay close to family, it's worth getting your citizenship over just having a Green Card. The benefits of citizenship extend beyond that of permanent residency, and will help you maximize your ability to build the life of your dreams.
