The benefits of obtaining United States citizenship are many: ease of travel to other countries, access to many government jobs, the ability to vote, and the ability to sponsor family members for a green card, are among the many benefits. It used to be that anyone planning on permanently living in the United States would count down the days until they could apply for naturalized U.S. citizenship after receiving their green card.
However, a recent trend is taking place where more and more green card holders are content with the green card itself and don’t see a need to become a naturalized U.S. citizen — even if they qualify for it. What’s more, some are even turning down the opportunity to become a naturalized U.S. citizen even when they would be allowed to maintain dual citizenship with their home country.
Among the many reasons that immigrants choose to be green card holders forever are:
- National identity reasons — Many feel a kinship with their home country and want to retain that tie with it.
- Not willing to pay the $680 application fee.
- Complacency — they may feel satisfied with the rights they have already.
- Procrastination — They just haven’t gotten around to it yet.
- Fear of government bureaucracy — The forms are overwhelming and the process is daunting. Let’s face it, the U.S. government isn’t easy to deal with.
- Disagreement with U.S. foreign policy or U.S. government policies.
It is a personal decision for green card holders whether to apply for U.S. citizenship. However, if you would like assistance applying for U.S. citizenship, our trusted and experienced immigration law attorneys can answer your questions and get you on the path to becoming a U.S. citizen.