While a majority of people living in America are natural-born United States citizens, millions of others are Permanent Residents. Although life in America is often a vast improvement from life in their country of origin, permanent residents will often learn that they face certain exclusions and restrictions because of their immigration status. However, becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen can provide these individuals with a wide array of benefits and opportunities reserved specifically for U.S. citizens.
U.S. citizenship offers many legal, financial and personal benefits for individuals and their families who currently have permanent resident status or are in the process of obtaining a green card. One of the biggest legal advantages to becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen is being granted full Constitutional rights and protections, such as the right to vote or hold public office. Once granted, U.S. citizenship cannot be revoked, and as such, citizens cannot be removed from America or deported to their home country once they become naturalized citizens. However, permanent residents can still be vulnerable to possible deportation or loss of permanent resident status. Also, becoming a naturalized citizen allows the individual to hold a U.S. passport, allowing them to travel long-term or even live abroad, without losing their right to live in the United States.
A permanent resident can also experience financial benefits by becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen, such as being eligible for government loans, scholarships, grants and other federal assistance. This eligibility can be a huge advantage to individuals looking to start a business here in America, pursue higher education, or get help in establishing their finances or buying a home. Additionally, U.S. citizens have a wider range of employment opportunities since nearly all government jobs are available only to U.S. citizens, and not permanent residents. Also, permanent residents are not eligible for substantial tax benefits provided to U.S. citizens, such as reduced estate taxes and free real estate transactions between married U.S. citizens. Permanent residents who become naturalized citizens also are eligible for Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Finally, permanent residents that become U.S. citizens can benefit in their personal lives as well. Naturalized U.S. citizens can sponsor immediate relatives to immigrate to America and avoid the long wait that is normally required to obtain Lawful Permanent Resident status. This major advantage helps reunite separated families together much faster, which is especially helpful for immigrants that had to leave behind a spouse, young children or elderly parents in their country of origin. Based on visa availability, U.S. citizens can also sponsor other relatives such as adult children or siblings. This advantage can radically improve the lives of multiple generations within a family, and set them all on the path to future success and happiness in America. For permanent residents married to U.S. citizens, becoming naturalized helps eliminate the threat of families being divided because of changes in immigration laws, and ensures stability for the future.
Christiansen Law Firm strives to help Permanent Residents attain their dream of becoming naturalized U.S. citizens by offering tailored solutions to individual immigration circumstances. The attorneys of Christiansen Law Firm have years of experience in immigration law, family-based immigration processes, visa status changes and other immigration concerns. Christiansen Law Firm offers a full range of exceptional legal services for all aspects of immigration law, and will provide clear-cut and cost-effective solutions that allow businesses and families to make informed decisions. Contact the Christiansen Law Firm office in Houston or San Antonio for more information, or go online to submit a request form for additional information.