Unlocking the Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

Each year, on Sept. 17, Americans celebrate Constitution and Citizenship Day. While there are many paths to citizenship – born in the U.S. or a U.S. territory, born abroad to U.S. citizens or naturalized – we all enjoy the same advantages, and equally important responsibilities. As we reflect on these responsibilities of citizenship and what it means to be a U.S. citizen, we also explore the numerous benefits and incredible opportunities that U.S. citizenship has to offer.

Benefits of U.S. citizenship

Visa-free travel

There are so many advantages when it comes to travel and the ease of travel when you’re a U.S. citizen. For example, you don’t need to prove potentially every time that you intend to make the United States your home. Permanent residents are required to show roots and ties to the U.S., and that they want to be a permanent resident and make the United States their permanent home. In addition, for lawful permanent residents, additional travel documents may be needed if you have long trips outside the U.S. By being a U.S. citizen, those requirements are no longer necessary.

Traveling with a U.S. passport allows for assistance from the government when abroad, as well as possession of one of the most travel-friendly statuses available today. U.S. passport holders can travel to certain countries without a visa. Being a U.S. citizen and having a U.S. passport opens many doors and removes a lot of visa requirements and other challenges when traveling to other countries.

The right to vote 

The Constitution and laws of the United States grant numerous rights exclusively to citizens, with one of the most fundamental being the right to participate in federal elections. This right is particularly significant when compared to many countries where citizens lack a voice in their government and cannot effectively communicate their values and what’s important to them by voting. In contrast, U.S. citizens have the power to influence the nation’s future by voting for representatives and leaders who align with their values and priorities.

Keep the family together

U.S. citizenship provides a strong safeguard against family separation with the privilege of helping immediate relatives, such as a spouse, parents and unmarried children, to obtain permanent residency.

Federal employment opportunities

Most jobs within government agencies require U.S. citizenship, so becoming eligible for federal job opportunities can be a significant public service professional opportunity, including running for office to become an elected official.

Access to federal benefits 

U.S. citizens are eligible for certain federal scholarships and grants and access to federal public benefits for basic needs, including Social Security benefits, Medicare and Medicaid. Citizens are also eligible for government-sponsored legal aid, which provides free or low-cost legal assistance to ensure all citizens have access to justice regardless of their financial situation.

©2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden. All Rights Reserved. by: Weijia (Victoria) Ma of Berry Appleman & Leiden For more news on U.S. Citizenship for Immigrants, visit the NLR Immigration section.

  • Related Posts

    Prayers for Religious Holiday Time Off May Need to be Accommodated by Employers

    Knowing several religious holidays are coming up soon, employers can take steps to avoid triggering religious discrimination and reasonable accommodation lawsuits. Consistently applying paid time off rules can help to…

    Preparing For the Return of Dealer Distress

    Over the last five years, auto and equipment dealers experienced a period of low inventory levels with high margins on the limited inventory they had for sale and lease. Used…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    Prayers for Religious Holiday Time Off May Need to be Accommodated by Employers

    • By admin
    • October 6, 2024
    • 1 views
    Prayers for Religious Holiday Time Off May Need to be Accommodated by Employers

    Preparing For the Return of Dealer Distress

    • By admin
    • October 5, 2024
    • 3 views
    Preparing For the Return of Dealer Distress

    How Healthy Diet, Lifestyle May Help Lower Breast Cancer Risk as Cases Rise in Younger Women

    • By admin
    • October 5, 2024
    • 2 views

    Administration Action Could Unravel the De Minimis Exception for Goods From China

    • By admin
    • October 4, 2024
    • 4 views
    Administration Action Could Unravel the De Minimis Exception for Goods From China

    Dow Jones Today: Stocks Rise After Strong Jobs Report; S&P 500 Near Unchanged for Week

    • By admin
    • October 4, 2024
    • 6 views
    Dow Jones Today: Stocks Rise After Strong Jobs Report; S&P 500 Near Unchanged for Week

    Why People on TikTok Are Claiming Mucinex Helped Them Get Pregnant

    • By admin
    • October 4, 2024
    • 4 views
    Why People on TikTok Are Claiming Mucinex Helped Them Get Pregnant