Why should I become a U.S. Citizen?

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Although many Lawful Permanent Residents (“Green Card holders”) qualify to become U.S. citizens, many do not submit naturalization applications, due to time constraints, money, or a lack of knowledge regarding the benefits that only U.S. citizens have. These are benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen:

1. Avoid Green Card renewal fees and the hassle of reapplying – Green Cards are only valid for TEN (10) years. Imagine the time that you can spend doing the things you love, when you can avoid the hassle and costs of renewing your Green Card. Additionally, you will no longer have to carry your Green Card with you.
2. Protection from deportation – Green Card holders may be deported or denied a renewal of their immigration status, if they engage in certain activities, such as: (i) traveling and staying abroad for periods of longer than SIX (6) months; (ii) committing a crime involving moral turpitude (dishonesty) within FIVE (5) years after the date of admission to the U.S. and is punishable by a possible sentence of at least ONE (1) year; (iii) convicted of two or more crimes involving moral turpitude; (iv) convicted of an aggravated felony; (v) convicted of a drug crime, etc. If a Green Card holder naturalizes, they will not have to worry about getting deported since U.S. citizens cannot be deported.
3. Unrestricted travel – Green Card holders must apply for a re-entry permit if they plan on traveling and staying abroad for more than one year. Additionally, if they remain abroad for more than TWO (2) years, they may stand to lose their Green Card status. Furthermore, merely having a re-entry permit is not a guarantee that Green Card holders will be able to return to the U.S. Applying for naturalization will alleviate the restrictions on foreign travel.
4. Sponsor a fiancé/fiancée to the United States – Only U.S. citizens can file a fiancé/fiancée visa.
5. Sponsor your parents to the United States – Only U.S. citizens can file a petition to bring their parents to the United States to live permanently.
6. Sponsor your siblings to the United States – Only U.S. citizens can file a petition to bring their siblings to the United States to live permanently.
7. Sponsor your married adult children to the United States – Only U.S. citizens can file a petition to bring their married adult children to the United States to live permanently.
8. Only U.S. citizens can vote in all federal elections.
9. Only U.S. citizens can apply for a U.S. passport – The U.S. passport is very strong and will allow U.S. citizens to travel to over 170 countries without a visa.
10. Access to scholarships and grants for school – Only U.S. citizens have the right to receive government issued grants for education. Additionally, many scholarships require that the applicant be a U.S. citizen.
11. Option to run for public office – Only U.S. citizens can run for public office.
12. Option to apply for federal jobs – Only U.S. citizens can apply for federal jobs, such as USPS postal workers, court clerks, FBI officers, etc.
13. Access to 100% of Social Security benefits – Green Card holders can only obtain 50% of their Social Security benefits. Citizens can access 100% of Social Security benefits and apply for other government assistance, such as welfare and food stamps.
14. Tax and estate benefits – Our office cannot provide tax advice, but speaking to a Certified Public Account could help explain the tax and estate benefits that only U.S. citizens have.
15. Assistance during foreign travel – U.S. citizens can obtain assistance from the U.S. embassy and/or consulate abroad.

Experience Matters

The Law Office of David Nguyen, PC has successfully handled hundreds of immigration petitions and/or applications – and can assist you with your immigration needs.

For more information on Why should I become a U.S. Citizen In Texas, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (281) 777-1236 today. We have two convenient locations in north and south Houston, Texas.