When you are living in America and have been a permanent resident for a substantial amount of time, you can seek out your naturalization. If you want to be naturalized, you’ll have to take a test to seek your citizenship. This test can be costly and frustrating for those who don’t speak English well, which is why many don’t pursue it. However, it could be beneficial.
Citizenship can be beneficial for many reasons. The primary goal for most immigrants is to seek naturalization as it allows them to live in the United States permanently with a minimal risk of deportation. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or the USCIS, has no power to revoke citizenship. A judge could in rare circumstances.
Naturalization is not every immigrant’s goal. Some are happy to be permanent residents and will live their entire lives that way, especially if they have children in the country who are citizens themselves.
Naturalization should be your goal if you want to obtain all the normal rights of U.S. citizens, such as:
- Voting rights
- Bringing family to the United States
- Traveling without a risk of entry issues
- Avoiding deportation proceedings
Naturalization helps you stay in the U.S. and have most of the same rights as a natural-born citizen.
Naturalization: Helping you protect yourself
One of the key aspects of naturalization is that it helps you protect yourself and those you love. As a citizen, you will gain your U.S. passport. You’ll be able to receive protections from the U.S. government if you go overseas. You’ll be able to leave and re-enter the United States any time you’d like without a risk of being denied entry.
Other reasons to seek naturalization may include wanting to feel proud of the country and seeking that feeling of patriotism that other Americans share. Maintaining your residency and right to vote are also key reasons to seek naturalization. Additionally, if you want to run for a political office, naturalization allows you to do so. Keep in mind, however, that you will not be able to run for President. The presidency is the exception and can only be held by U.S. citizens born in the United States.
