For many immigrants, becoming a U.S. citizen through the process of naturalization is the final step in a long immigration journey—but it’s also the most powerful. While many people know that citizens can vote in U.S. elections, there are several other life-changing benefits that come with naturalization. If you’re a permanent resident, here are five compelling reasons why you should consider starting your citizenship process today and an experienced immigration attorney can help!
Once you become a U.S. citizen, you can no longer be deported. Even if immigration laws change in the future or you make a mistake, your citizenship gives you strong legal protection that permanent residency alone cannot offer. After you are a naturalized citizen, you would have to be denaturalized first before you could be deported. Between 1990 and 2017 according to the Department of Justice (DOJ) there was an average of 11 cases filed for denaturalization per year.
U.S. citizens can petition for more family members—including parents, siblings, and married adult children—and often experience shorter wait times than green card holders.
As a citizen, you can apply for a U.S. passport, which allows for visa-free travel to over 180 countries and provides consular protection when you’re abroad. It’s one of the most powerful passports in the world.
Certain federal jobs, security clearances, and government benefits are available only to U.S. citizens. Citizenship can open the door to new professional and financial opportunities for you and your family.
In many cases, your minor children may automatically become U.S. citizens once you’re naturalized. This provides lifelong protection and opportunity for the next generation. Speaking to a qualified immigration attorney can help navigate this step.
If you’ve been a permanent resident for at least 3 or 5 years (depending on your case), now is the time to explore your options. Our team at Godoy Law Office is here to guide you through every step of the citizenship process with care and experience.
Your voice matters more than ever. The naturalization process can take several months, so starting now could mean you may be eligible to vote this year. But even beyond voting, citizenship gives you security, freedom, and the ability to fully participate in American life.
👉 Contact us today 630-345-4164 to schedule a consultation and get started on your path to U.S. citizenship. We can help people in all 50 states obtain their citizenship. Contact us today to start that conversation.
FAQS
Q1: Can you apply for naturalization by yourself?
A: Yes, you can, but having an experienced immigration attorney can help navigate you through the system and prepare you for your interview
Q2: Are there benefits to getting your citizenship?
A: When you get your citizenship, it allows you many more opportunities as such as freedom from deportation, getting a U.S. passport which opens up the opportunities to visit many countries without a visa, ability to apply and work at certain government jobs, and the ability to vote and have your voice heard in an election whether local or national elections.
Oak Brook • Waukegan • Elgin • Orland Park • Berwyn • Aurora • Joliet
Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
