For investors successfully immigrating to the United States, the next step may involve the choice of whether to become a U.S. citizen. Why become a U.S. citizen? What rights and privileges does citizenship confer? Experts from WorldWay Immigration explain that permanent residents enjoy most of the rights that U.S. citizens have. However, there are many important reasons to consider becoming a U.S. citizen:
• Demonstrate your patriotism. Becoming a citizen is a way to show your loyalty to your new country.
• Vote. Only citizens can vote in federal elections. Most states also restrict voting in most elections to U.S. citizens.
• Serve on a jury. Only U.S. citizens can serve on federal juries. Most states also limit jury service to U.S. citizens. Serving on a jury is an important responsibility of U.S. citizenship.
• Travel with a U.S. passport. Holding a U.S. passport allows you to receive assistance from the U.S. government while abroad, if necessary.
• Bring family members to the United States. U.S. citizens typically have priority when applying for family members to obtain permanent residency in the United States.
• Obtain citizenship for your children born abroad. In most cases, children born abroad to U.S. citizens automatically acquire U.S. citizenship.
• Be eligible for federal jobs. Certain positions in government agencies must be held by U.S. citizens.
• Run for elected office. Federal offices (such as U.S. Senator or Representative) and most state and local offices require candidates to be citizens.
• Retain your residency status. U.S. citizens cannot have their right to remain in the United States revoked.
• Be eligible for federal grants and scholarships. Many financial assistance grants, including scholarships and funds provided by the government for specific purposes, are only available for U.S. citizens to apply for.
• Receive government benefits. Some government benefits are only available for U.S. citizens to apply for.
