Benefits of Becoming a US Citizen
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For many, the benefits of becoming a United States citizen are obvious. Some look forward to being free of the fear of deportation. Others want to apply for a passport so they can travel, an option only available to U.S. citizens. While everyone will have their own reasons for wanting to apply for citizenship, there are some benefits that many people do not realize come with being an American citizen.
You Can Vote
For some, this is one of the main benefits of becoming a citizen, but others may not consider it at first. As a United States citizen, you will have the right to vote on policies in your county, city, state, that affect the entire country. When you can vote, you have the opportunity to hold lawmakers accountable for their decisions and actions and have a say in how the country is run.
You Can Run for Public Office
Taking control of how your city or state is run can go one step further after you are a citizen because you can run for public office. It is true that in order to become the president you must have been born in the United States. Still, there are many other political offices you can run for, including governor of your state.
Help Your Family Become Citizens
There are many benefits you will find come with being a U.S. citizen, and there are benefits for your family, as well. If you have any children under the age of 18, they automatically become citizens once you do. If you have family members in another country and they want to become citizens, you can sponsor them for green cards.
Leave the Country for Long Periods of Time
Yes, you can apply for a passport after gaining citizenship, but you can also leave the country for longer periods of time. When you are in the country on a green card, this is not the case. If you are out of the country for more than six months of a year, your green card is considered abandoned. You can get a new one, but you will need to go through the entire immigration process once again. After becoming a citizen, you can leave the country for as long as you like.
This is important for new immigrants and citizens. These individuals often have several family members in different countries and regularly leave the country. It is nice to know you can do so freely.
Retain Your Current Citizenship
The United States did not once allow citizens to hold dual citizenship. As such, today part of the naturalization process asks you to renounce citizenship of your home country. The Supreme Court of the United States struck down that law, however. Now, those applying for citizenship can ask that this part of the Oath of Allegiance is removed so you can retain your current citizenship and be a citizen of the United States.
Speak to a Chicago Immigration Lawyer
There are certainly a number of benefits to becoming an American citizen. The immigration process you will have to go through is extensive and confusing, though. One of our immigration attorneys in Chicago can help you through it and make the process much easier.
If you need help with a visa application, deportation defense, an appeal, or anything else in your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen, contact Kriezelman, Burton & Associates at (312) 332-2550. We will explain the ever-changing immigration laws as they pertain to your case, and work hard to come up with the best solution for you. Call us today or fill out our online form so we can start discussing your case.
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