Is U.S. Citizenship Right for You?

Is U.S. Citizenship Right for You?

Naturalization applicants take the Oath of Allegiance.

If you’re a green card holder who’s fulfilled the requirements for naturalization — or will in the near future — you might be wondering whether obtaining U.S. citizenship is the right decision. The short and simple answer to that question is yes, if you plan to live permanently in the United States.
For some people, however, the answer is a bit more complicated — often because of identity-related or practical reasons.

If naturalization is right for you, however, it’s imperative to apply for U.S. citizenship at your earliest opportunity. Recently announced immigration policy changes — such as the proposed “public charge rule” and the updated denial and deportation guidelines — will only make naturalization more challenging in the future.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the benefits of becoming a naturalized American — as well as the rules that deter some green card holders from obtaining citizenship — to help you decide whether naturalization is the next step you want to take in your immigration journey.

Not sure if you qualify for U.S. citizenship? When you’re ready to apply, LEGiTiGO can guide you through every milestone of the naturalization process, starting with your citizenship application all the way to the finish line.  Learn more, or  get started today.

What Are the Benefits of U.S. Citizenship?

Becoming a U.S. citizen is the next logical step for most green card holders, especially if they intend to stay in the United States for the long term. U.S. citizenship provides many advantages not available to green card holders:

You cannot be deported to your country of former citizenship or nationality. You’ll have just as much right as any other American to live and work in the United States. Even if you’re charged with a crime in the future, you’ll be able to stay in the United States. (Although recent news reports have indicated that the U.S. government plans to pursue more “denaturalizations” based on prior criminal offenses, this should not affect the vast majority of naturalized U.S. citizens.)