If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) in the United States, you might be wondering what are the benefits of becoming a US citizen. It comes with many rights and advantages that are not available to non-citizens. On the other hand, U.S. citizenship is not only a privilege but also a responsibility.

Read this article to explore some of the **benefits of US citizenship and how you can obtain it.**

## What is the Citizenship of the United States?

Citizenship of the United States is a legal status that grants a person certain rights and obligations under the U.S. Constitution and laws. U.S. citizens are also members of a national community that shares a common history, culture, and values.

You can adopt two methods to become a U.S. citizen: **by birth, or by naturalization.** 

You are a U.S. citizen by birth if you were born in the United States or its territories, or if you were born abroad to at least one parent who was a U.S. citizen at the time of your birth. 

You can also become a U.S. citizen by naturalization, which is a process of applying for and obtaining nationality **after meeting certain US citizenship requirements for Green Card holders.**

*See also: [How to Become a US Citizen?](https://www.grapelaw.com/library/content/how-to-become-a-us-citizen-2022)*

### Benefits of US Citizenship

As a U.S. citizen, you can enjoy many benefits that are not available to non-citizens, such as:

- **Voting in federal, state, and local elections.** Only U.S. citizens can vote and have a say in how the government is run and who represents them.
- **Bringing your family members to the United States.** U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents, spouses, children, and siblings for permanent resident status without waiting for a visa number to become available.
- **Obtaining nationality for children born abroad.** Usually, children of U.S. citizens who are born abroad automatically acquire U.S. nationality at birth.
- **Traveling with a U.S. passport.** A U.S. passport allows you to travel to more than 180 countries without a visa or with a visa on arrival. It also enables you to get assistance from the U.S. government when you are outside the United States.
- **Receiving government benefits.** U.S. citizens are eligible for various federal benefits and programs, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, food stamps, and student loans.
- **Working in government jobs.** Many federal, state, and local government jobs require U.S. citizenhood as a condition of employment. 
*Read more about [Employment-Based Green Card](https://www.grapelaw.com/visas/employment-based) options.*
- **Running for public office.** Only U.S. citizens can run for elected positions at the federal, state, and local levels.

### Responsibilities of the U.S. Citizen

Along with the benefits of US citizenship come certain responsibilities that you must fulfill as a member of the national community, such as:

- Giving up all prior allegiance to any other nation or sovereignty
- Taking an oath of allegiance to the US and its Constitution
- Serving the country when required, such as by serving in the military or on a jury
- Participating in the political process by registering and voting in elections
- Respecting the rights and opinions of others
- Paying taxes and following the laws
- Contributing to your community and society

## How to Obtain the U.S. Citizenship?
If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth, you can apply for naturalization after meeting certain eligibility requirements.

### What are the U.S. Citizenship Requirements for Green Card Holders?
To be eligible for naturalization, you must:

- Be at least 18 years of age when you are filing your application
- Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Have a physical presence in the United States for at least half of the required residence period
- Have good moral character and not have committed certain crimes or violations
- Have basic knowledge of the English language and U.S. history and government
- Be willing to take an oath of allegiance to the United States

## What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is the process of acquiring citizenhood or nationality of the U.S. legally. You need to make an application in the prescribed format to complete the process. 

Learn more: [What is Naturalization?](https://www.grapelaw.com/visas/naturalization)

The US citizenship naturalization process involves several steps:

- Filing an application form (Form N-400) with supporting documents and fees
- Taking a biometrics appointment to provide your fingerprints, photograph, and signature
- Taking an interview with a USCIS officer to verify your identity, eligibility, and knowledge of English and civics
- Taking an oath of allegiance to the United States at a naturalization ceremony

### What are the Rights of the U.S. Citizen After Naturalization?

After you take the oath of allegiance, you become a full-fledged U.S. citizen possessing all the rights and responsibilities laid under the Constitution. You can:

- Apply for a U.S. passport and travel freely
- Vote during the local, state, and federal elections
- Sponsor your family members* for permanent resident status
- Apply for nationality for your children who are born abroad
- Receive government benefits and programs
- Work in government jobs and run for public office

**You can be a sponsor for your spouse, children, and parents as an immediate family which takes much less time. For other relatives, they are categorized in preferences.*

## Green Card vs US Citizenship

Many lawful permanent residents (green card holders) wonder whether they should apply for U.S. nationality or not. While both statuses offer many benefits, there are some differences that you should consider before making your decision.

**The main advantages of US citizenship over Green Card are:**

- Voting Rights
 
Only U.S. citizens can vote in local, state, and federal elections.

- Family Sponsorship
 
U.S. citizens can sponsor more relatives for permanent resident status than green card holders, and they have shorter waiting times for visa availability.

*Learn more about [Family-Based Green Card](https://www.grapelaw.com/visas/family-green-cards)s*

- Citizenship for Children Born Abroad

Children born abroad to U.S. citizens automatically acquire U.S. residency at birth, while children born abroad to green card holders may not be eligible for U.S. citizenship depending on various factors.

- Travel Restrictions
 
Green card holders must maintain their residence in the United States and cannot stay outside the country for more than six months without risking their status. They also need visas to travel to certain countries. U.S. citizens can travel freely without any time limits or visa requirements.

- Government Benefits and Programs 

Some federal benefits and programs are only available to U.S. citizens, such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, food stamps, and student loans.

- Government Jobs and Public Office
 
Many federal, state, and local government jobs require U.S. nationality as a condition of employment. Only U.S. citizens can run for elected positions at the federal, state, and local levels.

- Deportation Risk
 
Green card holders can lose their status and be deported from the United States for various reasons, such as committing a serious crime, voting illegally, or abandoning their residence. U.S. citizens cannot be deported unless they obtained their nationality fraudulently. 

Benefits of US Citizenship include that US citizens cannot be deported unless they obtained their citizenhood fraudulently. 

- Tax Obligations
 
Both green card holders and U.S. citizens must pay taxes on their worldwide income to the U.S. government. However, advantages of US citizenship include that U. S. citizens may be subject to additional taxes or reporting requirements if they have foreign assets or income.

## FAQs about the U.S. Citizenship

**What are the pros and cons of U.S. citizenship?**

U.S. nationality has pros such as voting rights, travel benefits, and family sponsorship, and cons such as tax obligations, jury duty, and possible loss of original nationality.

**What are the Full Rights of the US Citizenship?**

The full rights of U.S. residency include the right to live and work in the U.S., the right to vote, the right to travel, the right to federal benefits, the right to family sponsorship, and the right to residentship for children.

**How Long Does it Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?**

The time it takes to become a U.S. citizen varies depending on several factors, such as your location, the number of applicants, the complexity of your case, and the availability of USCIS resources. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years or more from the time you file your application to the time you take your oath of allegiance.

**How Much Does it Cost to Become a U.S. Citizen?**

The current filing fee for naturalization is $725, which includes $640 for the application fee and $85 for the biometrics fee. You may also need to pay additional fees for other services or documents, such as translation, photocopying, medical examination, and legal representation.

**Can I Have Dual Citizenship?**

The United States does not formally recognize or prohibit dual residentship. However, when you become a U.S. citizen, you must take an oath of allegiance to the United States and renounce any previous allegiance to any other nation or sovereignty. This does not necessarily mean that you will lose your original residency, as that depends on the laws of your country of origin.

**Can I Lose my U.S. Citizenship?**

You can lose your U.S. nationality only if you voluntarily renounce it or if you obtained it fraudulently or illegally in the first place.

**How Can I Prepare for the Naturalization Test?**

The naturalization test consists of two parts: an English test and a civics test. The English test evaluates your ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English. The civics test evaluates your knowledge of U.S. history and government.


Learn more about the U.S. citizenship, and its benefits. Keep in mind that you & your family could obtain U.S. citizenship through Green Card. Read more!

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What are the Benefits of the U.S. Citizenship?

## What is Naturalization?
  
Naturalization is the process by which green card holders (with exceptions) of the U.S. can become U.S. citizens. Unfortunately, paths to naturalization vary from applicant to applicant and, therefore, can be a long and confusing journey for some. 

<div style="background: #0C7D93; padding: 5px; color : white; font-size:large; ">Here in this writing, we will clarify the application process for a better naturalization experience by guiding you through all the steps you will need to take to become a U.S. citizen! </div>  

## Eligibility for Naturalization
  
There are multiple categories with which the citizen candidate can apply for U.S. citizenship. And eligibility requirements for naturalization vary according to the candidate's category. To reach the categories and look into their specific requirements, please see [Citizenship and Naturalization](https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization).    
  
However, there are still common requirements that every candidate must meet to be eligible for naturalization:   
  
Listed requirements with a star symbol (*) mean that there are exceptions to them based on military service   
  
- The citizen candidate must be a Green Cardholder*   
- (The time you must spend as a permanent resident in the U.S. varies according to your category)    
- The citizen candidate must complete their category’s wait time after the Green Card is issued*    
- The citizen candidate must be at least 18 years of age.    
- The citizen candidate must not take trips six months or longer outside the U.S. during their designated wait time before the naturalization application.   
- The citizen candidate must have been residing in the state s/he applies for naturalization for at least three months.   
- The citizen candidate must have a good moral character. 
- The citizen candidate must accept to serve in the U.S. when called upon for national duty.   
- The citizen candidate must be willing to protect the Constitution of the U.S.   
  
To reach the categories and look into their specific requirements, please see [Citizenship and Naturalization.   ](https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization)
  
You may also find this useful online [Naturalization Eligibility Tool](https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/learn-about-citizenship/naturalization-eligibility) prepared by USCIS, automatically articulating your eligibility with criteria questions.   
  
## Application Process
  
There are four significant steps of the application leading to naturalization. They are Application for Naturalization, Biometrics Appointment, Citizenship Interview & Civic Exam, and Oath of Allegiance, respectively.  

### 1. Application for Naturalization

You should start your application by filling out and sending Form N-400. Then, you can send the form online or by mail. In order to send N-400 online, you should create an applicant account with [USCIS](https://my.uscis.gov/apply/v2/naturalization/overview). If you plan to send your application by mail, you must check the [Direct Filing Addresses for Form N-400](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/direct-filing-addresses-for-form-n-400-application-for-naturalization) to avoid processing delays.    

While applying for naturalization with Form N-400, you need to pay a filing fee. The current filing fee is $725. Applicants 75 years or older do not pay the biometric fee and pay $640 instead. You may be exempt from the fee if you are a military applicant under INA 328 and 329 (Application and Filing for Service Members).  

### 2. Biometrics Appointment 

The next step is your biometrics appointment, where your fingerprint will be taken. USCIS collects fingerprints for applicant background checks. The time and the place of your appointment will be delivered to you by USCIS either online or via email  

### 3. Citizenship Interview & Civics Exam

The next step is going to the citizenship interview. The interview is divided into two parts. The first part is composed of questions from your N-400 form, reaffirming your naturalization eligibility. And the second part is composed of an English language and civics test. English language test will assess whether your written and spoken English is sufficient for naturalization. With the civics test, you will be asked selected basic questions on U.S. history and government.   

**For the English language requirement, there are some exemptions. If you are**:  

- Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years (commonly referred to as the “50/20” exception).  
- Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years (commonly referred to as the “55/15” exception).   

Even though you are qualified for English language exemption, you must take the civics test.
  
USCIS makes naturalization test questions available. Currently, the 2008 and 2020 versions are open to access online:  

- [2008](https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/study-for-the-test) (10 out of 100 questions were asked to test-takers that year)  
- [2020](https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/the-2020-version-of-the-civics-test/study-for-the-test-2020-version) (20 out of 128 questions were asked to test-takers that year)  
  
To see the exceptions and accommodations granted for certain individuals on naturalization examinations, please see [examinations and accommodations](https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/exceptions-and-accommodations).  
  
### 4. Oath of Allegiance 

The last step before naturalization is taking the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. and the constitution. Then, the time and place will be delivered to your address by mail. After the ceremony, you will be given a Certificate of Naturalization and officially become a U.S. citizen!  

## Wait Time for Naturalization
  
The current wait time for all candidates ranges from 1.5 years to 2 years. You may find a helpful online [Case Processing Times](https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/) tool of USCIS to learn more about the details of naturalization processing.  

## Grape Law is the Right Place for You
  
<div style="background: #0C7D93; padding: 5px; color : white; font-size:large; ">Becoming a U.S. citizen is the dream of many immigrants. It is an official acknowledgment of your status as an “American.” It has various benefits, such as voting rights, automatic citizenship for children, the right to run for office, and many more. On the other hand, the path to naturalization can be long and confusing as it entails various steps that need a constant watch and articulate planning. </div>    

As Grape Law firm, we are up to the challenge that comes with the naturalization process for our clients. No matter how long your naturalization will take, we are eager to accompany you with our legal expertise and dedicated client service. [We look forward to hearing from you](https://www.grapelaw.com/contact) with any questions and inquiries concerning naturalization and can’t wait to be a part of your citizenship journey!   

Naturalization is the process by which green card holders (with exceptions) of the U.S. can become U.S. citizens. Unfortunately, paths to naturalization vary from applicant to applicant and, therefore, can be a long and confusing journey for some. 

path-to-naturalization.webp

How to Become a US Citizen? - The Path to Naturalization 

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a dream of many. Every year thousands of citizen candidates seek ways to obtain U.S. citizenship. This is because U.S. citizenship has various advantages that range from voting rights to running for an office. Getting citizenship is also a symbolic milestone as it officially confirms that now you are an “American.” In that regard, here in this writing, we will explain the ways of becoming a U.S. Citizen.  

In general, there are 4 ways to become a U.S. Citizen: 

- Citizenship by Birth 
- Citizenship by Acquisition 
- Citizenship Through Bonds (Derivation) 
- Naturalization 
 
## 1. Citizenship by Birth: Born in the U.S. or its Outlying Possessions

If you are born inside the U.S. or one of its outlying possessions, you are automatically granted U.S. citizenship! The outlying possessions of the U.S. are territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. Birthright citizenship is as old as the United States, and it was constituted as a right in the Fourteenth Amendment:  

<span style="color: #FF504B;">“All persons born or naturalized in the U.S., and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the U.S. and the State wherein they reside.”</span>
  
However, there is an exception to this right for children whose parents are foreign diplomats working in the U.S. at the time of the child’s birth. Foreign diplomats are not considered to be under the jurisdiction of the United States and its laws. Although children of foreign diplomats are not eligible to be U.S. citizens by birth, they may seek lawful permanent residence.  

## 2. Birth to Citizen Parent(s) – “Acquisition” 

If you are born outside of the U.S. to a citizen parent or parents, you may “acquire” citizenship through your parent or parents. However, as the name suggests, you are not automatically granted citizenship at birth. Instead, to acquire citizenship through your parent or parents, you need to apply for a citizenship certificate by filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.  

<div style="background: #0C7D93; padding: 5px; color : white; font-size:large; ">The requirements for you to be eligible for acquisition differ according to the number of citizen parents you have.</div> 

Please be reminded that the current laws regulating the requirements and procedures of acquisition are valid for children born on or after the 14th of November 1986.  

- If both of your parents were U.S. citizens at the time of your birth,  
- Your parents must have been married at the time of your delivery, and at least one of your parents must have lived in the U.S. before the birth.   
- If only one of your parents was a U.S. citizen at the of your birth,  
- Your parents must have been married at the time of your delivery, and the citizen parent must have lived in the U.S. for at least five years before dawn. Lastly, two years of the five years lived in the U.S. must be after the citizen parent’s 14th birthday.
 
<span style="color: #FF504B;">Whether the birth occurs after marriage or out of wedlock is also an effective factor here.</span> 

**If the birth occurs after marriage;**

USCIS considers a child to be born in wedlock when the legal parents are married to each other at the time of the child's birth and at least one of the legal parents has a genetic relationship with the child. For this reason, if, 

- The child's legal parents are married to each other, and at least one legal parent was that child's genetic parent at the time the child was born. 
- The parent fulfills the residency or physical presence requirements under applicable law and the child fulfills all other applicable requirements under INA 301. 

The children can seek U.S. Citizenship. 

**If the birth occurs out of wedlock;**

### Child of a U.S. Citizen Father
 
The general requirements for naturalization at birth for a child born in wedlock also apply to a child born out of wedlock outside the United States who has sought citizenship through a US citizen father. In particular, the provision remains valid in the following cases. 

- Establishing blood bonds between child and father with clear and convincing evidence. 
- The child's father was a U.S. citizen at the time of the child's birth. 
- The child's father agrees in writing to provide financial support to the child until the child turns 18.
 
The following criteria must be met before the child turns 18:  

- The child is legitimized in accordance with the residence law. 
- The father accepts the paternity of the child in writing and under oath. 
- The paternity of the child is determined by the decision of a competent court. 
- In addition, the residence or physical presence requirements in the relevant paragraph of INA 301 also apply to children born out of wedlock, who claim citizenship through their father.
 
### Child of a U.S. Citizen Mother
 
The rules governing whether a child born out of wedlock outside the United States acquires citizenship from a U.S. citizen mother at birth varies depending on when the child was born. 

<span style="color: #FF504B;">The child was Born Between 23 December 1952 and 12 June 2017</span> 

A child born between December 23, 1952, and June 12, 2017, outside the United States, out of wedlock, can acquire citizenship if they meet the following requirements at birth. 

- Must be the child of a U.S. citizen mother. 
- The child's mother must be a U.S. citizen at the time of the child's birth. 
- The child's U.S. citizen mother must have been physically present in the United States continuously for 1 year prior to the child's birth. 
 
<span style="color: #FF504B;">Child Born on or After 12 June 2017</span>
 
A child born out of wedlock outside the United States, born on or after June 12, 2017, acquires citizenship at birth if: 

- The mother of the child was a US citizen at the time of the child's birth. 
- The child's US-citizen mother must have been physically present in the United States for at least 5 years (with at least 2 years after the age of 14) prior to the child's birth. 
  
## 3. Citizenship Through Bonds (Derivation): Children of Parent(s) Who Completed Their Naturalization 
 
If you are born into the parent(s) who are naturalized, you may be eligible for naturalization through your parent(s). This is called “derivation,” as you ‘derive’ citizenship from your naturalized parent(s). To be eligible for derivation: 

- You must be younger than 18 with a Green Card  
- You must be physically present in the U.S. under the supervision of your family. 
- At least one of your parents must have a U.S. Citizenship 
 
## 4. Naturalization
 
Naturalization is the process by which green card holders (with exceptions) of the U.S. can become U.S. citizens. Paths to naturalization vary from applicant to applicant and, therefore, can be a long and confusing journey for some. There are multiple categories with which the citizen candidate can apply for U.S. citizenship. And eligibility requirements for naturalization vary according to the candidate's category. To reach the categories and look into their specific requirements, please see [Citizenship and Naturalization](https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization).  

However, there are still standard requirements that every candidate must meet to be eligible for naturalization:      

Listed requirements with a star symbol (*) mean that there are exceptions to them based on military service. 

- The citizen candidate must be a Green Cardholder*    
- (The time you must spend as a permanent resident in the U.S. varies according to your category)    
- The citizen candidate must complete their category's wait time after the Green Card is issued*   
- The citizen candidate must be at least 18 years of age.    
- The citizen candidate must not take trips six months or longer outside of the U.S. during their designated wait time before naturalization application.    
- The citizen candidate must have been residing in the state s/he applies for naturalization for at least three months.    
- The citizen candidate must have a good moral character. Please see this PDF file to understand better 'what having a good moral character entails. (Starting with page 9)    
- The citizen candidate must accept to serve in the U.S. when called upon for national duty.    
- The citizen candidate must be willing to protect the Constitution of the U.S.       
   
You may also find this useful online [Naturalization Eligibility Tool](https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/learn-about-citizenship/naturalization-eligibility) prepared by USCIS, automatically articulating your eligibility with criteria questions. 

## Grape Law is The Right Place for You! 

As we explained, there are numerous ways to become a U.S. citizen. Whether you are born in the U.S., born into a U.S. citizen or naturalized parents, or have a green card, you can be a U.S. citizen! If you know your status and how to proceed with your application, you will be officially recognized as an “American” and join the thousands of people whose dreams came true!  

We look forward to hearing from you with any questions and inquiries concerning becoming a citizen and cannot wait to be a part of your citizenship journey! 

U.S. citizenship has various advantages that range from voting rights to running for an office. Getting citizenship is also a symbolic milestone as it officially confirms that now you are an “American.” In that regard, here in this writing, we will explain the ways of becoming a U.S. Citizen.  

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How to Become a US Citizen? - The Ways of Becoming a US Citizen 

ABD Vatandaşlığı 

Naturalization and Citizenship

We offer investors, innovators, and employees streamlined U.S. immigration and enable start-ups, small & mid-sized businesses, and companies to expand to the U.S.

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