Becoming a U.S. citizen is a serious decision, but if you were born in another nation and want to make Kentucky or another part of the country your permanent home, it may be one worth considering. Many people who wish to become U.S. citizens do so through a process known as “naturalization,” which involves completing an application, having an interview and taking several tests, among other necessary steps.
Per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, establishing U.S. citizenship leads to a number of notable benefits. Some of the perks of becoming a U.S. citizen are as follows.
1. It gives you the ability to vote
If you plan to remain in the United States on a permanent basis, then you probably want to have a say in who runs the nation and the communities where you reside. Establishing citizenship gives you the right to vote for elected officials who are going to represent your interests.
2. It helps you move family members to the United States
If you have other loved ones who want to move to the United States to live alongside you, the process often proves easier when you are a U.S. citizen. U.S. citizens typically get priority over non-citizens when it comes to petitioning for family members to come to the United States.
3. It expands your professional and political opportunities
Becoming a U.S. citizen also opens up new doors with regard to employment. As a citizen, you have the option of applying for federal jobs. You also have the option of running for many types of offices.
While these are among the benefits associated with becoming a U.S. citizen, this is not an exhaustive list of all perks that come with doing so.