The Star-Spangled Banner is America’s National Anthem and is a symbol of American patriotism and freedom. It is widely sung in U.S. schools and sporting events, as well as at official government ceremonies such as the Presidental Inauguration. Written by 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, it celebrates Key seeing the American flag still flying after a big battle. On March 3, 1931, President Hoover signed a congressional resolution naming the Star-Spangled Banner the national anthem.
The national anthem is often played at American citizenship ceremonies. Just before taking the citizenship oath, you will typically be asked to pledge your allegiance to the flag and sing the Star Spangled Banner.
Why Become An American Citizen?
There are many practical benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen. United States citizens are entitled to rights and privileges that Legal Permanent Residents – Green Card holders – do not have. Here are 10 reasons to become a United States citizen.
1. If a Green Card holder commits a crime, their Legal Permanent Resident status can then be revoked and they can be deported. A naturalized citizen is entitled to the same rights as a natural-born citizen, and cannot be deported.
2. U.S. citizens can vote in local and federal elections.
3. Citizens get priority to sponsor family members to permanently move to the United States.
4. A child born abroad to a U.S. citizen may automatically obtain U.S. citizenship.
5. Citizens are eligible for Federal jobs that LPRs cannot get.
6. A U.S. passport and the ability to contact the U.S. Embassy provide some protection during international travel.
7. Certain educational scholarships are only available to U.S. citizens.
8. Citizenship almost eliminates the risk of deportation. Unless someone committed fraud during his or her immigration proceedings, citizenship is permanent. Once a person becomes a citizen, he or she is typically immune from deportation.
9. Citizens are permitted to leave the country for long periods of time, unlike Green Card holders.
10. It costs less to become a U.S. citizen than to remain a Green Card holder. Permanent residents must renew their green card every 10 years and pay applicable fees.
America is the Home of the Brave: And That Includes You
An experienced immigration and citizenship lawyer knows and understands current immigration laws and can assist you with your naturalization application by helping you spot potential roadblocks in your background that can derail your application. Experienced immigration attorneys can save you money, time and stress and make sure your citizenship application has all the required documents and that the process is done correctly the first time, and accompany you to your immigration interview. If USCIS denies your application or there is a misunderstanding, your lawyer can help clarify and resolve the miscommunication.
Call us today at 630-912-0322.
AREAS WE SERVE: Godoy Law Office serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will, and Lake Counties
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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.
