Monday, December 21, 2015

What are the Benefits of becoming a Naturalized US Citizen

Any permanent resident of the US is entitled to apply for citizenship via the USCIS. For the most part, the process is fairly easy, barring certain complications such as a criminal conviction. The cost of the process is comparatively low while the benefits are plentiful and you probably do not need an immigration lawyer to sell you on this.

No Shortage of "Customers" 

Even in a recession, immigration lawyers (who can be found right here: http://immigration.usattorneys.com/) are busy dealing with professionals who want to come America since America has a shortage of tech and engineering talent. You do not see too many commercials of immigration legal professionals trying to find more people who want to come to America. America, even when it is sad and pathetic as it is now, sells itself.

The more important benefits of becoming a citizen of the US over a green card holder are as follows:
  • To begin with, it is not necessary to keep renewing your Green Card every ten years. In addition, you are not required to carry your green card any longer.
  • There is no risk of removal or deportation although Green Card holders can be deported if they commit specific types of crimes. A US citizen who commits crimes might go to prison but will never deported.
  •  However, there is a catch. If the USCIS ever finds out that you made false statements to gain lawful permanent residence or US citizenship, you are most likely to be deported according to immigration attorneys.
  • Armed with citizenship, travel to other countries and re-entry into the United States is much easier. You don’t have to stand in long queues reserved solely for green card holders while US citizens can enjoy the privilege of easier entry into nations worldwide. In many cases, you can visit several countries sans a foreign visa.
  • As a US citizen, you can petition to bring more of your family members to the country as compared to green card holders. You can petition for siblings, married children, and parents while the waiting period is significantly shorter.
  • When you become a citizen of the US, your unmarried kids under 18 automatically become US citizens under certain conditions, according to immigration lawyers. They must be legal permanent residents; reside in the USA; and must be under the physical and legal custody of their naturalizing parents.
  • Once a citizen, you have the right to vote as well as run for public office. Hopefully you lower taxes if you win!
  • Citizens are entitled to receive grants, federal Jobs, many other government benefits. You can buy a gun and defend yourself. Certain jobs require you to be a US citizen, especially federal, state, and local government jobs. Many federal scholarships and grants are available to US citizens alone.
  • As a US citizen, you have the right to obtain a US passport as well as the right to get help from US consulates and embassies while traveling to foreign countries.



Comparatively Easy Process but not Really

If you can meet the various legal requirements without any complications, becoming a US citizen is a reasonably straightforward process but not really, there are many different strategies and things you must say when during the interview. It could look easy but it really is not. 

To initiate the process you need to file the N-400 application along with the requisite fee. You will then be scheduled for an appointment for background check as well as fingerprinting. If everything goes well, you will have an interview with an USCIS official, and take a civics and English test. The last and final step in the process is the Oath Ceremony, following which you will obtain your certificate of naturalization.

Immigration law is complex and going through the process of US citizenship can be a daunting task if you don’t follow the procedure or make any errors. One false step and you are out on a limb, setback for months if not years. This is exactly why you ought to hire an experienced immigration lawyer to navigate you through the labyrinthine process.


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