What's the big deal?

First lesson - there are benefits to being a U.S. Citizen that pretty much form the foundation for why us immigrants decide to obtain it. Do you know what the USCIS list as being the Rights and Responsibilities of U.S. Citizens? No need to Google...here they are:


Rights of U.S. Citizens

Vote in Federal elections

Serve on a Jury

Bring family members to the United States

Obtain citizenship for children born abroad

Travel with a U.S. passport

Run for federal office

Become eligible for federal grants and scholarship

Responsibilities of U.S. Citizens

• Support and defend the Constitution





• Serve the country when required





• Participate in the democratic process





• Respect and obey federal, state and local laws





• Respect the rights, beliefs and opinions of others





• Participate in your local community
  

Now you know!

Another benefit that wasn't mentioned....is namely around participation in social services. As citizens, programs like Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, Unemployment and even Welfare are available. Permanent residents pay into all of these programs - we pay the same payroll taxes and mandatory deductions - but are not eligible to claim any benefits.









Basically, if you are going to make your life in this country, being able to participate in the decision process (voting) and have access to social benefits (limited as they may be) are pretty compelling reasons to take the plunge. Admittedly, these are a couple of the reasons I'm choosing citizenship over remaining a permanent resident. After nearly 13 years, I think it's time to participate in the process a little more actively.





Second lesson - I'm not just granted automatic citizenship. I was asked this recently, and explained that being married to an American really only helps get residency status. The process of citizenship is basically the same for everyone.Unlike most who apply for U.S residency, I was guaranteed status by being married to a U.S. citizen. We still had to go through the residency application process - all the forms, the screenings etc. but I didn't have to go through a lottery or other initial step.









I'm eligible for citizenship now because I've;

• Been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years.

• Been a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years and married to and living with the same U.S. citizen for the last 3 years.

Source: USCIS Form N-400





So, now that I'm eligible (have been for about 7 years to be honest), I have to fill out the application form, undergo the screenings and tests and then be sworn in. According to USCIS's website recently, it'll be about a 4-6 month process and run me a cool $680.00 (ack!)