Benefits of Becoming a US Citizen

• The Right to Vote
• Reuniting Families
• Protecting your Children's Right to Remain in the U.S.
• In Cases Involving Illegal Activity
• Travel Issues

The Right to Vote-One of the Basic Benefits of a US Citizen

Be a part of democracy - One of the basic rights you have as a U.S. citizen is the right to vote. Guarantee yourself this right so you have a say in how you want your country governed. Citizenship benefits include the privilege to participate in government by electing those who create and debate the laws.

Citizenship BenefitsH-Heelp With Reuniting Families

Help your relatives-This is one of the best benefits of a US citizen: you can help certain relatives obtain their Visa without extended delays. Every year, the U.S. normally limits the number of Visas issued in each family category. This means that the waiting time for a Visa depends on who your relative is, and can be long and uncertain. However, some relatives get to enjoy the citizenship benefits of U.S. citizens if they're considered "immediate relatives": spouses, parents and minor, unmarried children. For these relatives, there is no limit to the number of Visas issued each year. There are also other privileges that immediate relatives have that may make it easier for them to get permanent residence in the U.S.

Protecting Your Children's Right to Remain in the U.S.

Extend the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen to your children - Permanent resident children under the age of eighteen, who are in the lawful legal and physical custody of their naturalizing parent/s, automatically become U.S. citizens when their parent/s become naturalized.

In Cases Involving Illegal Activity

Protect yourself - Everyone in this country shares the duty to follow the laws. However, there are many benefits to being a citizen in the event you are accused of any illegal activity. As a permanent resident, you remain within the authority of the U.S. of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly known as the INS) and the Immigration Courts and can be removed (or deported) for such activity. As a citizen, you have the right to an attorney and a fair trial without being deported.

Travel Issues

Eliminate travel hassles - Are you concerned with leaving and re-entering the country? As a U.S. citizen, you are not restricted on the time you can spend outside of the U.S. Permanent residents can lose their status if they leave the country for 180 days or longer. For extended absences, permanent residents must obtain a re-entry permit. As a U.S. citizen, you can skip this process and live abroad without jeopardizing your citizenship status. Travel is also more convenient because many countries do not require visas of U.S. citizens.