Last week, we discussed the Department of Homeland Security’s proposal to significantly increase the filing fee for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. While avoiding higher government filing fees is certainly an important consideration, it should not be the only reason eligible lawful permanent residents decide to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Delaying naturalization can mean postponing valuable rights, protections, and opportunities that are available only to U.S. citizens. In today’s evolving immigration environment, becoming a U.S. citizen provides greater security and peace of mind than ever before.
Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Permanent Security
Unlike lawful permanent resident status, U.S. citizenship cannot be lost simply because you spend extended periods outside the United States. Citizens enjoy the highest level of protection under U.S. immigration law and cannot be deported based solely on abandonment of residence.
The Right to Vote
Citizens have the opportunity to vote in federal, state, and local elections and participate directly in shaping the future of their communities and the country.
Eligibility for Federal Employment
Many federal government positions and security clearance opportunities are available only to U.S. citizens, expanding career options that are not available to permanent residents.
Easier Family Immigration
U.S. citizens may petition a broader range of family members for permanent residence and, in many categories, avoid lengthy visa backlogs that permanent residents often face.
U.S. Passport and International Travel
A U.S. passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to many countries and offers the protection and assistance of U.S. embassies and consulates while traveling abroad.
Access to Certain Government Benefits
Some federal programs, grants, and public benefits are available only to U.S. citizens or are more easily accessible after naturalization.
Protection for Your Children
In many circumstances, children may automatically acquire or derive U.S. citizenship through their parents, providing long-term security and future opportunities.
Why Applying Now Makes Sense
Immigration laws, policies, filing procedures, and government fees continue to evolve. Recent years have seen increased filing costs, changing adjudication standards, additional scrutiny of applications, and shifting enforcement priorities. While no one can predict future policy changes, eligible permanent residents generally benefit from applying under today’s requirements rather than waiting for tomorrow’s.
Naturalization is more than obtaining a U.S. passport, it is the final step in the immigration journey, providing stability, expanded rights, and long-term protection for you and your family.
Are You Eligible?
In general, many lawful permanent residents may qualify to apply for naturalization after:
- Five years as a lawful permanent resident; or
- Three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen, provided all eligibility requirements are met.
- Additional requirements include continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, English language proficiency (unless exempt), and passing the U.S. civics examination.
If you are already eligible to become a U.S. citizen, now may be the right time to move forward. While the proposed filing fee increase is one factor, the greater value lies in obtaining the rights, protections, and opportunities that only U.S. citizenship can provide.
