Why Should a Permanent Resident Apply for Citizenship?

When you get your green card, you become a legal permanent resident of the United States of America. Once you get a green card, you can easily become a US citizen.

Application process

A permanent resident can apply for US citizenship four years and nine months after obtaining a green card. If the green card is obtained through marriage to a US citizen, the waiting period is reduced to three years, provided that the permanent resident alien is still married to and lives with the US citizen.

Green Card

When you are a legal permanent resident of the United States, you continue to remain a citizen of country. You will still be required the carry the passport of your country when you travel to other countries. You can apply for green card status for your spouse and family members but there are many restrictions. Often, the number of such green cards available every year is restricted by numbers and it may take a long time for all your family members to get in to the US. While a legal permanent resident can work anywhere in the United States and stay indefinitely in the United States, a legal permanent resident cannot vote in any election in the United States. Also a permanent resident cannot remain outside the United States beyond a certain number of days every year. If you remain outside the United States for more than the permitted number of days in a year, you will loose your permanent resident status. 

Citizenship benefits

As a US citizen, you will get a US passport. Many countries in the world do not require a visa for US citizens. So it becomes easier for you to travel to many countries. You get the right to vote when you become a US citizen. Once you become a US citizen, you can easily sponsor your spouse and dependant children to join you in the US. There are no numerical limits on the green cards issued to spouses and dependant children of US citizens. As a US citizen you can serve on jury duty. Many federal government jobs are restricted to US citizens. Permanent residents cannot apply for such jobs. There are many federal and state grants and scholarships that are offered exclusively to US citizens. US citizens receive full rights and protection under the US constitution and can hold public offices. US citizens may not be removed, or deported, from the United States. They are also able to re-enter the United States easily without being required to establish admissibility each time. You can remain outside the United States for an indefinite period.

Getting Legal Help

As you can see, being a US citizen has numerous benefits over being a legal permanent resident. As a legal permanent resident, you can apply to become a US citizen. However US immigration laws are complex. Your application to become a US citizen can be declined for various reasons. You have to submit an application form and necessary documents. Never take chances. Hire an experienced US immigration attorney. An attorney can make the process of becoming a US citizen easier for you.