BECOMING A U.S. CITIZEN COMES WITH SEVERAL IMPORTANT BENEFITS: 

1. Voting Rights: Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections (e.g., for President or members of Congress) and often in state and local elections as well.

2. Eligibility for Federal Jobs: Many government jobs at the federal level require U.S. citizenship.

3. No Risk of Deportation: U.S. citizens cannot be deported, unlike permanent residents who can be removed for certain crimes or immigration violations.

4. U.S. Passport and Consular Protection: Citizens can travel with a U.S. passport, which allows for easier international travel and access to U.S. consulates and embassies abroad in emergencies.

5. Petition for Family Members: Citizens can sponsor more types of relatives (like parents, siblings, and married children) for green cards, often with shorter wait times.

6. Access to Federal Benefits: Some government benefits, like certain Social Security and Medicare programs, may be more accessible or higher for citizens.

7. Run for Public Office: Citizens can run for most elected offices (though only natural-born citizens can become President).

8. Freedom to Travel Abroad: Citizens can stay abroad indefinitely without losing their citizenship (unlike green card holders, who risk losing status after extended absences).

9. Tax and Legal Protections: Citizenship can offer legal clarity and protections, especially for inheritance, taxes, and property rights.

10. Civic Participation and Influence: Citizenship allows fuller participation in the democratic process, such as serving on a jury or being active in politics.

HOW TO APPLY FOR U.S. CITIZENSHIP:

1. Ensure you are eligible to apply:

 -Are you 18 years or older?

 -Have you been a permanent resident (or had a Green Card) for at least 5 years. (OR 3 years if married to a U.S. Citizen).

 -Have continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.

 -Demonstrate good moral character.

 -Be able to READ, WRITE, and SPEAK basic English. [Some exceptions]

 -Pass a Civics test. [Check for Test Updates]

 -Willingness to take the Oath of Allegiance. 

2. Application Process:

• Create an account at USCIS.com. 
•  Complete the Application for Naturalization. [Form N-400]
  • Gather required documents:
    • Green Card
    • Travel History
    • Marriage/Divorce Certificates
    • Criminal Charges
      • Consult with an attorney if applicable. 
    • Home Address
• Submit your application online OR by mail.      
  • Pay the filing fee:
    • Paper-$760
    • Online-$710
  • You CANNOT request a reduced fee/fee waiver if filing online. Reduced fee waivers must be sent in with the paper N-400 form. 
    • Reduced fee waiver.
• Attend your biometrics appointment.
  • USCIS will send you a date, time, and location.
• Complete the interview.
  • The interview will consist of 2 sections, an English and Civics test. 
    • English test consists of Reading, Writing, and Speaking basic English. Click here for an example.  
    • The Civics test consists of American Government and History. Click here for an example.
• Receive your decision by a USCIS officer. 
• Attend a Naturalization Ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance. 

ONCE YOU GET YOUR CITIZENSHIP, YOU CAN:

1. Register to vote:

• To register, please visit- Vote.gov

  2. Apply for a U.S. passport:

• You will need to submit your original Form N-500, Certificate of Naturalization, AND a photocopy when applying for your U.S. passport. 
  • More information. 

  3. Obtain citizenship for your child:

• If your child is a Lawful Permanent Resident AND under the age of 18 on the day you Naturalize, they may have automatically obtained citizenship. 
  • To see and gather your child's citizenship status, you must file form N-600, Application for Certification of Citizenship, online. 
    • Instructions on how to apply. 

  4. Sponsor family members to come to the U.S.:

• More information.

  5. Start a business.

• More information.

For more information, refer to USA.gov. 

CONSULT AN ATTORNEY FOR LEGAL HELP:

Citizenship Works: Offers free legal help while filling out the Application for Naturalization. 

DONA Program: Digital Office for New Americans has many resources available for legal help. 

Immigration Institute of the Bay Area: Offers free legal help while filling out the Application for Naturalization, Fee Waivers, and Disability Waivers. 

LawHelp: Offers access to many different types of low-cost legal help, also aiding in immigration cases. 

Pro Bono Legal Providers: The U.S. Department of Justice has compiled a list of non-profit organizations and attorneys that have committed to spending at least 50 hours of Pro Bono work for individuals in immigration court proceedings. 

State Bar of California: The CalBar offers honest access to lawyers and information regarding immigration cases. 

Ready-To-Stay: A directory that can find not-for-profit organizations around your area that can help in immigration cases.