Key Takeaways:

  • With U.S. citizenship, you will never have to fear deportation and can live safely for the long-term in America.

  • U.S. citizenship grants the right to vote in elections and hold public office.

  • As an American citizen, you can get full access to federal benefits like Social Security and Medicare.

  • U.S. passport holders have greater freedom to travel and easier re-entry into the country.

  • U.S. citizens can sponsor family members for green cards, and any children they have will automatically gain citizenship. 

For many immigrants, becoming a U.S. citizen is the final step towards fulfilling their great American dream–and a chance at a better life. There are many benefits of American citizenship–from long-term stability, security, and access to a multitude of opportunities, rights, and privileges. 

 

Top 10 Rights and Benefits of American Citizenship

There are benefits of American citizenship for any immigrant who wants to settle in the U.S. permanently. 
 

The most obvious, and important benefit of a U.S. citizenship is that it provides you full legal rights and protections. If you only hold a green card, and not a citizenship, many rights are inaccessible to you–such as being able to vote in elections, traveling freely across borders, or applying to federal government jobs. 
 

These restrictions will be lifted by obtaining U.S. citizenship, empowering you to participate fully in all aspects of American society.
 

Take a closer look at all the benefits of US citizenship below.

1. Voting Rights and Political Participation

The ability to vote in federal, state, and local elections is one of the most important rights you can have as a U.S. citizen. Having the right to vote not only empowers you to influence decisions that impact your life, but also lets you have a say in the country’s future. It is one of the key aspects of living in a democratic country, by being able to participate in U.S. politics, you can actively contribute to the direction of the nation’s future.

2. Eligibility for Federal Benefits

From healthcare to social security and government-supported programs, American citizenship will give you full access to a wide range of federal benefits, and ensure that you are protected in times of need. Green card holders may have limited access to these programs, but as an American citizen, you will get full access to these benefits, ensuring your long-term security.

3. Access to Federal Jobs

Another benefit of U.S. citizenship is that it allows you to apply for federal government jobs. These types of job opportunities often come with competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and secured retirement plans. 

4. Tax Benefits

Tax benefits and credits are one of the many perks of U.S. citizenship. While U.S. citizens are subject to worldwide taxation, if you choose to work abroad you can minimize the risk of double taxation. Additionally, an American citizen can have access to tax benefits and credits that non-citizens may not be eligible for, providing more financial relief and stability.

5. Protection from Deportation

Perhaps one of the most important benefits of U.S. citizenship is the protection from deportation. Even if you are a green card holder, you may still be vulnerable to removal from the U.S. for various reasons. However, U.S. citizens cannot be deported. Therefore, you can settle in America for the long term, and be able to live and work in the U.S. for years without fear of deportation. 

6. Sponsorship of Family Members

As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your family members for green cards. This will allow your loved ones to come to the U.S. and live with you–including, parents and children (and in some cases, siblings as well) through a process known as family-based immigration. 

7. Freedom to Travel with a U.S. Passport

A U.S. passport is one of the most powerful travel documents in the world. It allows you to travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival to over 180 countries. In addition, as a U.S. citizen, you will be able to re-enter the United States without restrictions and get assistance from U.S. embassies and consulates abroad in case of emergencies.

8. Citizenship for Children Born Abroad

Family is at the cornerstone of U.S. immigration policies. And one of the many perks of U.S. citizenship is that children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents will automatically be granted American citizenship, regardless of where they are raised. Your children will have the same legal rights and protections as any American citizen, even if you choose to raise them in a different country.  

9. Run for Public Office

In addition to voting, U.S. citizens can also run for elected positions at various levels of government. From state legislature to a congressional seat, one benefit of U.S. citizenship is that it lets you directly contribute to your community through public service. 

10. Easier Re-entry After Traveling Abroad

As mentioned before, by being a U.S. citizen you can enjoy easier and quicker re-entry when returning to America after traveling abroad. Non-citizens on the other hand may face longer wait times or additional inspection at the border, even if they hold a green card. 

 

Unlock the Full Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

By becoming a U.S. citizen, you will be empowered with a wide range of benefits, from stability, political participation, legal protection, and financial security. Whether you're looking to stay in the U.S. for work or other reasons, if you wish to settle permanently in America, then applying for U.S. citizenship can be a step towards a better life. 

If you need legal counsel regarding the U.S. citizenship process, consider reaching out to an immigration lawyer for expert advice and assistance.

 

FAQ

  • Is U.S. citizenship better than a green card? 

Yes, U.S. citizenship provides more benefits and protections than a green card.  This includes voting rights, access to federal jobs, protection from deportation, tax benefits and credits, healthcare, etc.

  • What is the difference between a naturalized citizen and a natural-born citizen?

A natural-born citizen is someone who was born in the United States or one of its territories, while a naturalized citizen is someone who was not born in the US but has gone through the process of becoming a citizen.

 

  • What are the unexpected benefits of being a US citizen, compared to a Green Card holder, other than the right to vote?

There are a number of benefits that come with being a US citizen, such as the ability to live and work in the US without fear of deportation, access to government benefits, and the ability to sponsor family members for green cards.
 

  • Is citizenship worth it?

Citizenship is a valuable asset that comes with a number of privileges and responsibilities. It can open up new opportunities, both professionally and personally, and provide stability for you and your family.
 

  • What are the benefits of US citizenship for someone living elsewhere?

One of the many benefits of obtaining US citizenship is that it's a stable status. So, irrespective of where you choose to live, you'll still enjoy the benefits discussed above. But there are nuances and exceptions to be aware of, like the US immigration authorities revoking your naturalized citizenship, or you are doing something that falls under the US's loss of nationality statute.