A green card is a permanent resident card. It provides proof of someone’s legal presence in the United States. A green card can help someone enroll at an institution of higher education or obtain a job. It also protects an immigrant’s right to stay in the United States indefinitely.
As long as they continue to meet the necessary standards for permanent residents, they can remain in the United States for the rest of their lives in most cases. Those who have been in the country for years with green cards often become accustomed to the status quo.
Instead of looking to improve their situation, they may become complacent. Naturalization can be a complicated process, and some people procrastinate when they might benefit from taking action. The following are some of the benefits of becoming a citizen despite already having a green card.
Enhanced immigration options
For many people, family members living abroad are the reason they want to become citizens. There are multiple types of family-based immigration that are only available to citizens. Those who want to bring their parents, siblings or married children to the United States typically need to become citizens first.
The desire to vote or hold office
Federal elections and many state elections are only open to voters who are United States citizens. Visa holders and permanent residents cannot vote for their representatives at the federal level or even the state level in many cases.
Naturalization allows an immigrant an opportunity to help shape the United States by voting in future elections. In fact, they can potentially run for office. While certain positions, like the presidency, are not accessible for naturalized citizens, many other elected positions are. Those who want to serve the community can do so by becoming a citizen and then running for office.
A dream of traveling
Those with green cards can theoretically travel abroad, but they have to do so with a passport from their country of origin. Those who want to access more restrictive nations and travel without fear of immigration consequences may want to naturalize. Only citizens are typically eligible for United States passports and the access that comes with those documents.
A cessation of paperwork
For some people, the regular obligation to renew a green card can eventually become a burden. They have to submit paperwork to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) every 10 years.
The best way to eliminate that obligation is through naturalization. Naturalized citizens are no longer required to undergo a renewal process every decade. Once they take their oath and become United States citizens, they no longer have to submit anything to the USCIS unless they intend to help their loved ones immigrate.
Understanding the benefits of naturalization could help permanent residents make the decision to become citizens. Naturalized citizens have many rights that green card holders do not.