If you’re a green card holder who’s met or will soon meet the requirements for U.S. citizenship, you might be wondering if becoming a U.S. citizen is the right choice. In short, if you plan to live permanently in the U.S., the answer is likely yes.
However, for some people, the decision is more complicated. Identity, family, or other practical reasons may come into play. This guide will help you understand the benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, as well as the reasons why some green card holders might decide against it.
Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen
For most green card holders, U.S. citizenship is the next step, especially if they intend to live in the U.S. long-term. U.S. citizens enjoy several important benefits that are unavailable to green card holders.
Rights of U.S. Citizens After Naturalization:
Protection from Deportation
Once you become a U.S. citizen, you cannot be deported to your home country, even if you are charged with a crime in the future (though past criminal issues could impact your case). This makes your status much more secure than a green card holder’s.
Travel Freedom with a U.S. Passport
A U.S. passport opens up travel to over 180 countries without requiring a visa for short visits. It also lets you take trips as often as you like and provides help from U.S. embassies when traveling abroad.
Access to Federal Benefits
U.S. citizens can apply for government benefits like federal college assistance, which is only available to U.S. citizens.
Sponsoring Family for Green Cards
As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your parents, adult children, and siblings for their own green cards, which can lead to a faster process than if you were a green card holder.
Automatic Citizenship for Your Children
Your children, even if born abroad, automatically become U.S. citizens as long as you report their birth to a U.S. embassy or consulate.
No More Immigration Paperwork
As a U.S. citizen, you won’t need to renew your green card, pay fees, or notify USCIS every time you move.
Access to Federal Jobs
Many federal jobs require U.S. citizenship. Federal jobs typically offer better benefits and pay than many private-sector positions.
Right to Vote
Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections. If you want a say in U.S. leadership, voting is an essential part of being a citizen.
Ability to Run for Office
U.S. citizenship is necessary to run for most elected offices, whether federal, state, or local.
Responsibilities of U.S. Citizens
While the benefits are numerous, there are some responsibilities and considerations that come with U.S. citizenship, which may affect some green card holders.
Potential Challenges of U.S. Citizenship:
Renouncing Foreign Citizenship
Some countries require you to give up your citizenship if you become a U.S. citizen. The U.S. allows dual citizenship, but countries like India, Japan, and a few others do not. If you want to keep your original nationality, be sure to check the laws of your home country.
U.S. Taxes for Life
U.S. citizens are required to file U.S. income tax returns, no matter where they live. Even if you live abroad, you’ll still need to report your income, though you may exclude a certain amount (currently over $100,000) from taxes.
Criminal Background Checks
USCIS will review your criminal history closely. If you’ve been involved in activities that could lead to deportation, such as immigration fraud or certain criminal offenses, you may want to seek legal advice before applying for citizenship.
Possible Military Service
While the U.S. no longer has a draft, U.S. citizens could still be called to serve in the military if the draft is reinstated. All men between the ages of 18 and 26 must register with the Selective Service System, even if they’re not U.S. citizens.
Jury Duty
As a U.S. citizen, you may be called to serve on a jury. Jury duty is mandatory in the U.S., though some groups (such as those over 70 or those who have recently served) can be excused.
Should You Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
Deciding whether or not to apply for U.S. citizenship depends on your unique situation. If you plan to live in the U.S. permanently, the benefits usually outweigh the responsibilities, but it’s important to consider all factors. U.S. citizenship gives you more rights, freedom, and access to opportunities than a green card. However, it may come with some challenges, like taxes and potential complications with dual citizenship.
Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization involves meeting specific eligibility requirements, understanding the benefits of citizenship, and acknowledging the responsibilities that come with it.
General Requirements for Naturalization
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Permanent Resident Status: The applicant must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) of the U.S.
- Residency: Generally, applicants must have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Good Moral Character: Applicants must demonstrate good moral character, which typically involves passing background checks.
- English Proficiency: Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak basic English, with some exceptions for older applicants or those with disabilities.
- Knowledge of U.S. History and Government: Applicants must pass a civics test covering fundamental aspects of U.S. history and government.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
- Spouses of U.S. Citizens: They may apply after 3 years of residency if they have been married and living with their spouse during that time.
- Military Members: Active duty military members and veterans may qualify for expedited naturalization processes.
- Children: Certain children may automatically acquire citizenship through their parents.
Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
- Voting Rights: Citizens can vote in federal and state elections and run for public office.
- Legal Protections: Full legal protections under U.S. laws, including the right to a passport and consular services.
- Access to Government Benefits: Eligibility for programs like Social Security, healthcare, and other support services.
- Employment Opportunities: Citizens have access to government jobs and enhanced job security.
- Family Sponsorship: Citizens can sponsor relatives for green cards and other immigration benefits.
- Travel Freedom: Citizens enjoy fewer visa restrictions when traveling abroad.
Responsibilities of U.S. Citizenship
- Obligation to Pay Taxes: Citizens must pay taxes on their worldwide income.
- Jury Duty: Serving on juries is a civic duty required of citizens when summoned.
- Civic Responsibility: Citizens are expected to engage in their communities and participate in democratic processes.
Detailed Breakdown of Requirements
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying for naturalization.
Residency Requirement
- Applicants generally need to have been lawful permanent residents for at least five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.
- Continuous residence means that the applicant has maintained their home in the U.S., without extended absences that could disrupt residency status.
Good Moral Character
This requirement assesses an applicant’s behavior over the past five years (or three years if married to a citizen). Certain criminal convictions may disqualify an applicant from obtaining citizenship.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants are required to demonstrate basic proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English unless they qualify for an exemption due to age or disability.
Civics Knowledge
The civics test includes questions about U.S. history, government structure, rights, and responsibilities of citizens. Applicants must answer correctly a specified number of questions during their interview.
Application Process
To apply for citizenship, individuals must complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), pay the required fee, provide necessary documentation (such as proof of residency), and attend an interview where they will take the civics and English tests.
Factors to Consider Before Seeking U.S. Citizenship
Deciding to pursue U.S. citizenship is a significant step that involves various factors. Understanding these considerations can help individuals make informed decisions about their future.
Dual Citizenship
Definition and Impact:
Dual citizenship, or dual nationality, allows an individual to be a citizen of two countries simultaneously. In the U.S., this means you can hold U.S. citizenship while retaining your original nationality. However, not all countries permit dual citizenship. For instance, countries like China and India do not recognize it, which may result in losing your original citizenship upon acquiring U.S. citizenship.
Consequences:
If your home country does not allow dual citizenship, you may have to renounce your original citizenship to become a U.S. citizen. This decision can have significant implications for your rights and responsibilities in your home country, including loss of property rights or access to social services.
Loss of Previous Citizenship
Some nations automatically revoke citizenship when an individual acquires a new nationality. It is essential to check the laws of your country of origin before applying for U.S. citizenship to avoid unexpected loss of rights and privileges.
Legal and Tax Implications
- Tax Responsibilities: U.S. citizens are required to report their worldwide income and may face double taxation if their home country also taxes income earned abroad. However, tax treaties between the U.S. and certain countries may mitigate this issue.
- International Banking and Inheritance Laws: Becoming a U.S. citizen can complicate international banking arrangements and inheritance laws, as different countries have varying regulations regarding taxation on estates and gifts.
Commitment to the U.S.
Acquiring U.S. citizenship entails a long-term commitment to abide by the country’s laws, culture, and values. This includes understanding civic duties such as voting, jury duty, and paying taxes1. Prospective citizens should consider whether they are ready to embrace this commitment fully.
Impact on Family Members
Becoming a U.S. citizen can positively affect family members by allowing you to sponsor them for immigration benefits. As a citizen, you can petition relatives to obtain green cards more easily than permanent residents can. This aspect is crucial for those with family ties abroad who wish to reunite in the U.S.
The Naturalization Process
The journey to becoming a U.S. citizen involves several steps:
- Application (Form N-400): Complete and submit the application for naturalization.
- Biometrics: Attend an appointment for fingerprinting and background checks.
- Interview and Civics Test: Participate in an interview where you will take a civics test covering U.S. history and government.
- Oath of Allegiance Ceremony: If approved, attend a ceremony where you take the Oath of Allegiance to become a citizen.
Average Processing Time
The naturalization process typically takes between 6 months to a year, depending on various factors such as application volume and individual circumstances.
Costs Involved
Applicants should be prepared for various fees associated with the naturalization process:
- Application Fee: Approximately $725 for Form N-400.
- Biometric Fee: Around $85 for fingerprinting.
- Additional costs may arise from legal assistance or translation services if needed.
Common Myths About U.S. Citizenship
- Myth 1: You automatically lose your citizenship if you renounce another country’s citizenship.
- Myth 2: The U.S. does not allow dual citizenship.
- Myth 3: The naturalization test is too difficult to pass.
- Myth 4: Once you are a U.S. citizen, it is impossible to lose citizenship.
Understanding these myths is crucial for making informed decisions about pursuing citizenship.
Is U.S. Citizenship Right for You?
Before deciding on naturalization, consider these questions:
- Are you ready to give up certain rights from your home country?
- Do you plan to live in the U.S. long-term?
- Are you willing to fulfill responsibilities such as taxes and jury duty?
- Will the benefits (like voting rights and access to social services) outweigh any potential downsides?
- Is dual citizenship acceptable in your situation?
Alternatives to U.S. Citizenship
For those unsure about full naturalization, alternatives include:
- Permanent Residency (Green Card): This status allows individuals to live and work in the U.S., with fewer obligations than full citizens.
- Temporary Residency: Options like work or student visas provide pathways without committing to permanent residency or citizenship.
If you need legal guidance or have questions about the application process, it’s a good idea to consult with a legal expert who can help you navigate the steps involved.
Remember, U.S. citizenship is a powerful and rewarding status, but it’s important to make sure it’s the right choice for you and your future.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the United States straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa or a Green Card, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the United States. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
