WHY BECOME A CITIZEN?
Citizenship comes with many benefits to you and your family. Read further to see if you qualify to become a citizen now.
Requirements
To apply to become a citizen, the most basic requirements are to:
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Be at least 18 years old
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Have had your green card for 5 years
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If you are married to a US Citizen, you only need to have had your green card for 3 years
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Be able to read, write, and speak English
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Some people over 50 qualify to take the exam in their own language.
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Benefits of Citizenship
Becoming a citizen can help you improve your situation and provide more for your family. Did you know that only citizenship offers you the following benefits?
Protection from deportation. Green card holders can still be deported. Become a citizen to be forever protected from deportation.
Voting and running for public office. Only citizens can fully participate in the democratic process by voting and holding office.
Increased job opportunities. Citizens have more jobs available to them and tend to earn more than non-citizens.
Increased travel opportunities. There is no limit on international travel for U.S. citizens.
Increased family petitions. Citizens have better opportunities to help their family members.
No status renewal. Once you become a citizen, your legal status never needs to be renewed again.
**If your green card will expire in the next year, you should think about applying to become a citizen now. Once your green card has only 6 months left on it, USCIS requires you to renew it before you apply for citizenship.
To learn more about the Naturalization process, you may consult the USCIS Guide to Naturalization or visit the USCIS website.
Do you have any questions about whether you qualify to become a citizen, or what the benefits of citizenship are? Call us at (703)-534-9805 ext. 252.