A green card awards an individual great benefits, such as being able to reside in the United States as a lawful permanent resident, being able to travel to and out of the United States without having to obtain another visa or travel document, amongst other benefits. While a green card awards great benefits to an individual, becoming a U.S. citizen will award greater freedom. It is strongly encouraged for a lawful permanent resident to apply for his/her U.S. citizenship when the time comes. Below are the five reasons why.
First reason: It will cost an individual more money if they continue to renew their green card as compared to if they apply for their citizenship. Each time an individual renews their green card, it will cost them about $540. Whereas applying for a U.S. citizenship costs a one-time fee of $725. In the long run, one would be saving more money by applying for their citizenship over continuing to renew their green card.
Second reason: A U.S. citizen has the ability to vote in U.S. elections. One of the great freedoms a U.S. citizen has is to be able to voice their opinion and have a chance to vote for people to run for office. Green holders are not eligible to vote.
Third reason: A child whose parents became a U.S. citizen prior to the child’s 18th birthday can allow the foreign-born child to become a U.S. citizen through their parent’s status as long as the child also was on lawful permanent resident status.
Fourth reason: U.S. citizens are able to bring their immediate relatives to the United States quicker via family based green card sponsorship. A U.S. citizen’s spouse, parent, and children are considered to be their “immediate relative” and a green card will be immediately available once their petitions have been adjudicated. This benefit is not awarded to green card holders who sponsor their family. Their could be a waiting period before a green card becomes available.
Fifth reason: Some government jobs are only available to U.S. citizens. Getting a government job is a privilege due to the number of benefits offered in exchange for working for a government facility. Not all government jobs are willing to hire green card holders, they must be a U.S. citizen.
