Getting a visa means that you can legally enter the United States. Upgrading to a Green Card will let you stay here, possibly for the rest of your life. Becoming a naturalized citizen will offer you even more benefits than permanent residency.
Although there is an involved process and testing required for naturalization, the benefits outweigh the amount of effort required. What are some of the biggest benefits of becoming a naturalized citizen?
You can vote and run for political office
The United States of America holds regular elections for local, state and federal political offices. If you want to have a say in your government, you will need to become a citizen so that you can vote.
Some people, especially if they endure political persecution in their country of origin, may want to run for political office. Naturalization makes holding a political office a possibility.
You don’t have to worry about removal or restrict your travel
As a permanent resident, especially one that wants to become a citizen, you have to limit how much you travel in the years leading up to your naturalization. You also have to worry about anything from losing your job to a criminal arrest affecting your right to stay in the country.
Citizens have no restrictions on their travel rights and can obtain a United States passport. They also don’t have to worry about deportation.
You can help your loved ones enter the country more easily
People with visas or Green Cards can help family members enter the country, but citizens have the most options. Not only are there more programs available, but more of your relationships, like your sibling relationships, may be eligible for family-based immigration when you are a citizen.
Understanding the benefits that come from naturalized citizenship could motivate you to take the test and officially become a United States citizen.