For many, becoming a United States citizen is an integral part of the American Dream. Whether this is a necessary step to work a job you love, marry the person of your dreams, or start a better life for your family, this is something many people want to achieve. As such, the following blog explores the benefits of becoming a citizen and the eligibility requirements necessary to apply. You’ll also discover the importance of connecting with a New York City citizenship lawyer if you wish to pursue your citizenship.
What Benefits Will I Get By Receiving Citizenship?
When you become a citizen, you can reap many benefits that were not afforded to you prior. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The right to vote
- No risk of deportation
- The ability to bring your family to the country and sponsor their path to citizenship
- The right to own a passport
- The ability to apply for federal jobs
- The ability to reap federal benefits
However, this is not a comprehensive list of all the benefits you can receive. For example, you may find that as a citizen, any children you have are automatically considered citizens, even if they were born outside of the United States.
Additionally, you also earn the right to serve as a member of a jury. Though this is something many do not look forward to, being a citizen means you can help ensure your peers receive their right to a fair trial.
What Eligibility Requirements Must I Meet?
If you wish to become a citizen, there are strict requirements to even apply. Unfortunately, of the many applicants who apply annually, only a handful are chosen to receive citizenship. As such, understanding what guidelines you must meet prior to applying is critical. They include, but are not limited to, the following:
- At least 18 years old
- Have been a permanent resident for at least five years or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen
- Be of good moral character
- Have not committed certain crimes
- Understand English, history, and the fundamental laws of the United States
- Must be willing to defend and uphold the United States Constitution
There are other additional steps to complete the naturalization process, which include many forms and an interview with a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer.
As you can see, there are many things that must be taken into consideration during these times. At the Law Office of Jason A. Dennis, our dedicated legal team understands the complexities of naturalization and citizenship, so we’re ready to help you navigate this process. We can help you define your goals and will guide you through the application process so you have legal representation every step of the way. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.
