25Mar/110
What are the Benefits of Becoming a U.S Citizen?
Green card holders are lawful permanent residents who have nearly all of the rights of American citizens. However, there are many benefits of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen if you and your family plan to stay in the country the rest of your life. An attorney focusing on immigration in North Carolina
Some of the rights that are applicable only for citizens are:
- Working: Naturalized citizens are free to take any job offered and receive the same employment protections and wages as natural born Americans.
- Voting: Only U.S. citizens can vote in national elections.
- Bringing family members to the United States: Citizens have priority over others when petitioning to bring family members to U.S.
- Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad: Generally, a child born to an American citizen overseas is automatically a U.S. citizen. However, according to U.S. immigration laws. certain requirements must be met.
- Traveling abroad with a U.S. passport: A U.S. passport provides access to help from the American government when you are overseas.
- Becoming eligible for federal jobs: A job with the federal government job requires U.S. citizenship.
- Retaining residency: Naturalization is the only way to remain a U.S. resident forever. Unlike citizens, if green card holders spend too long a time outside the U.S, they may lose their permanent resident status. This has become a serious problem after the 9/11 attacks.
- Deportation: There is a high risk of being deported if a green card holder is convicted of crime. North Carolina immigration attorneys may be able to intervene on your behalf if you are threatened with deportation.
- Government Benefits: There are several federal benefits available only to citizens. Naturalization is the only process to ensure receiving them.
- Tax Consequences: For estate tax, a U.S. citizen is not treated same as a permanent resident.
- Federal Grants: Many federal grants are available to U.S citizen applicants that are not available to permanent residents, i.e., green card holders.
- Becoming an elected official: Natural or naturalized citizenship is required for elected officials all the way up to president. An American president must be a natural citizen born in the United States.
- Showing your patriotism: Becoming a U.S. citizen demonstrates your devotion to your new country.
For information about how to apply for United States citizenship with the help of a North Carolina citizenship lawyer, or any other immigration related issues, contact the firm that provides the best immigration services.
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