When you become a U.S. citizen, there are certain rights, responsibilities, and benefits you will gain. While gaining citizenship can be a difficult process, it is an extremely rewarding one. Read on to learn more about the process of obtaining citizenship and some of the benefits that come with it.
Do I Qualify for Naturalization?
The process of becoming a citizen is known as naturalization. In order to qualify for naturalization, there are some specific requirements you will have to meet:
- Prove to be committed to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution
- Be able to communicate through reading, writing, and speaking basic English
- Have a satisfactory understanding of the United States government and history
- Take an oath of allegiance to the United States
- Be at least 18 years old, and a permanent resident for at least 5 years
- Prove continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years before the date of filing Form N-400
- Prove to have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years before filing Form N-400
- Have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you apply.
- Demonstrate that you are a person of good moral character.
What Are Some of the Benefits and Responsibilities of Becoming a United States Citizen?
When you are granted citizenship in the United States, you are given various rights and responsibilities. Some of these rights and responsibilities include:
- The right to vote: Generally, only U.S. citizens are allowed the right to vote in our elections.
- Travel with a U.S. passport
- Bring family members to the United States
- Obtain citizenship for children who are younger than 18 years old
- Apply for federal jobs, as most of these jobs will require citizenship
- Become an elected official. This is one of the highest honors and responsibilities a person can have, and it can only be obtained through U.S. citizenship.
- Keep your residency. Once you are a citizen, you cannot be removed.
- Qualify for certain federal grants and scholarships
- Obtain government benefits
- Serve on a jury. Jury service is one of the quintessential aspects of citizenship, and by serving, you help uphold the democratic process that our country so highly values.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your citizenship status, reach out to our firm today. We are here to walk you through all of your immigration law matters.
Contact Our Firm
Katona & Associates, PLLC is an experienced, highly dedicated New York City immigration law firm located in lower Manhattan. Our firm works with clients in all matters of immigration law, including employment immigration, family immigration, deportation defense, green cards, and citizenship. Contact us to discuss your case and get the help you need.