Let’s just get this out of the way first—putting off your citizenship or green card application has absolutely no benefit. Every day you delay your application is a day that laws could change, accidents could happen, and your dreams of becoming a US citizen could vanish in the blink of an eye.
If you’re eligible for citizenship or a green card, filing your application ASAP is your best option. Today’s post will cover a few of the big benefits you’ll receive along with your US citizenship, plus a few of the major downsides to delaying your application.
Remember, this information is extremely important.
Citizenship Can NEVER Be Taken From You
When you naturalize as a US citizen, that’s it. No one can deport you or revoke your citizenship—you are an American, end of story.
In fact, the only way you can ‘lose’ citizenship is to renounce it yourself, or if you obtained your citizenship in an illegal or fraudulent way.
Green card holders don’t have the same safety net. Not only can your green card be taken from you, but you can also be deported for a number of reasons, including committing certain crimes, immigration violations, or even spending too much time outside the United States.
Citizens Can Travel Freely Abroad
Permanent residents are forbidden from traveling abroad for more than a year without a return visa or reentry permit—otherwise, you could lose your green card.
US citizens, on the other hand, can travel freely outside the country without time restrictions or requirements for return visas.
Citizens Have More Rights
Green cards do not grant full Constitutional rights to their holders, such as the right to a US passport, the right to receive assistance abroad at US consulates and embassies, the right to receive full Social Security benefits, various state and federal aid, and the right to vote.
Naturalized US citizens enjoy all the same rights as native-born citizens.
Citizens Have an Easier Time Getting Green Cards for Family Members
US permanent residents trying to file petitions to sponsor their families for green cards often have to deal with extremely long wait times.
Citizens, however, can sponsor a far greater range of relatives, and enjoy shorter waiting times. In addition, once you become a citizen your parents, children under 21, and spouses immediately have access to US visas!
What About Green Cards?
While citizenship is the end goal, green cards are an essential piece of the puzzle for those wishing to become citizens. If you’re eligible for a green card, your application is just as urgent as those applying for citizenship!
Here are just a few of the huge benefits of receiving your green card:
- Green card holders don’t need to renew work permits
- Green card holders get better pay and more benefits from employers
- Green card holders can more easily support their families
- Green card holders have a much easier time finding work
But to get those benefits—and continue down the road to citizenship—you have to apply. And the sooner the better, because…
Immigration Laws Are Always Changing—Don’t Get Left Behind
One thing has been made very clear over the past couple years—immigration laws are constantly changing, and those changes can leave huge groups of people at a disadvantage when it comes to their immigration applications.
Take DACA, which was recently repealed—leaving countless aspiring citizens stuck with no path towards naturalization. Those who took advantage of DACA before its repeal gained access to coveted green cards, and are on their path towards citizenship.
And those who put off their DACA applications? Well, as of right now they have no path towards citizenship. Their lives became a whole lot harder, and for now at least, the door of opportunity has been slammed shut.
Don’t get left behind.
If you’re eligible for a green card or naturalization, the best time to apply is now. Get in touch with us immediately so we can start processing your application ASAP. Monument makes dealing with immigration quicker, less painful, and a whole lot cheaper than you thought possible. Check out our locations page to find the location nearest to you!