10 Reasons to Become a Citizen
Why should I become a Citizen? Here is an attorney's list of reasons to become a U.S. Citizen and not just keeping your green card as a permanent resident.
- The Right to Sponsor Family Members for a Green Card: Becoming a U.S. Citizen grants the privilege of the ability to sponsor relatives for a green card. "Immediate Relatives" may obtain a green card immediately, while other categories such as siblings have a very long wait because only so many visas are issued each year per country per category. Here is more information on the family based immigration preference categories.
- Not Being Deported: Permanent Residents accused of a crime may be deported. The crime does not even have to be a "serious crime". Permanent Residents remain subject to potential deportation and are under the authority of USCIS and the Immigration Courts. The government can not take away a U.S. Citizen's right to remain in the U.S.
- The Right to Vote: Only U.S. Citizens can vote on who will represent them in public office as well as on local tax issues, and other ballot measures such as whether gay marriage should be allowed.
- Tax and Estate Reasons: Property left to a U.S. Citizen spouse is exempt from the estate tax. The tax code also allows free transfers of property between U.S. Citizen spouses. If the spouse is not a U.S. Citizen the estate and other transfers are subject to taxation.
- Guaranteed Re-entry to the United States After Traveling Abroad: After leaving the U.S. for more than 180 days Permanent Residents may lose their green card upon attempted re-entry if the Port of Entry determines that the green card has been abandoned. An immigration attorney can obtain a re-entry permit for green card holders, which allows a Permanent Resident to travel abroad for up to two years without "abandoning" the U.S. residence.
- Protecting Your Children: Permanent Resident Children under the age of 18 in their parent's lawful legal custody automatically become Citizens.
- Grants and Scholarships: Only U.S. Citizens may receive many College Scholarships and other Federal Grants.
- Government Jobs and Benefits: Only U.S. Citizens may obtain certain government jobs.
- U.S. passport: Many persons desire to travel abroad on a U.S. passport. When abroad you will have the full force of the U.S. Government behind you, including assistance from the U.S. embassies. Many countries recognize dual citizenship.
- Public Office: You must be a U.S. Citizen to hold or run for many public offices.
For more information please contact an Immigration Lawyer.
