Top Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen
The top benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen include voting rights, eligibility for government assistance, enhanced employment prospects, travel benefits, family reunification, Social Security, and Medicaid, which provides healthcare to citizens over 65. For students, education assistance is available in the form of in-state tuition and scholarships and loans, such as the Pell Grant.
Contact the Florida citizenship attorneys at Bassey Immigration Law Center. We can help you attain your goals. Read more to learn about the rights you gain as a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Voting Rights
In a democracy, citizens can choose who they want to represent them at the ballot box. Non-citizens cannot vote in local, state, or federal elections, although there are exceptions for limited local voting in certain areas. Participate in the election process to ensure your voice is heard. As the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) states, “Citizens have a responsibility to participate in the political process by registering and voting in all elections.”
Legal Protections
The many legal protections offered to U.S. citizens include the following:
- Receiving government assistance: Anyone can fall on hard times. While non-citizens are ineligible for public benefits, that is not true for U.S. citizens.
- Deportation safeguards: You cannot be deported to your country of former citizenship or nationality. Even if you’re charged with a crime in the future, you can stay in the U.S.
- Expanded job opportunities: Many jobs require U.S. citizenship, which is the case with federal employment opportunities.
In addition, after becoming a U.S. citizen, you can run for office and become an elected official. Make a difference as an American citizen.
Educational Opportunities
Access to federally funded financial assistance programs is a significant benefit for U.S. citizens attending college. You may qualify for government grants, scholarships, and low-interest student loans, which can dramatically lessen the cost of a college degree. In addition, students would be eligible for in-state tuition prices. For citizens, public schools and universities offer drastically discounted tuition rates.
Global Mobility
Once you gain citizenship, you may apply for a U.S. passport. With a U.S. passport, you can travel freely all over the world. You no longer have to worry about applying for a visa to enter the U.S. If you run into problems abroad, a U.S. passport means you can receive help from the U.S. government through its embassy or consulate.
Family Benefits
Do you have a spouse or children who want to obtain a Green Card? If you are at least 21 years old, as a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor their immigration petition and that of your parents or siblings. For a U.S. citizen, there is no immigration waiting period for a spouse, parents, or unmarried children under 21. Your sponsorship can strengthen family ties and allow relatives to follow their own American Dream.
Contact Florida Citizenship Attorney for a Consultation
Obtaining U.S. citizenship offers many rewards. Learn more from the immigration attorneys for citizenship at Bassey Immigration Law Center. We believe families should be together. We will do everything possible to solve your immigration issues and meet your needs. Whether you want to reunite with your family or obtain a green card through marriage, we can help. Schedule an affordable consultation today.
