American Immigration Lawyers Association
New York City Bar
Avvo Rating
Avvo Client's Choice
Super Lawyers
Profinder David Katona

What Are the Benefits of Becoming a U.S. Citizen?

Gavel and BooksWhen you become a U.S. citizen, there are certain rights, responsibilities, and benefits you will gain. While gaining citizenship can be a difficult process, it is an extremely rewarding one. Read on to learn more about the process of obtaining citizenship and some of the benefits that come with it.

Do I Qualify for Naturalization?

The process of becoming a citizen is known as naturalization. In order to qualify for naturalization, there are some specific requirements you will have to meet:

  • Prove to be committed to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution
  • Be able to communicate through reading, writing, and speaking basic English
  • Have a satisfactory understanding of the United States government and history
  • Take an oath of allegiance to the United States
  • Be at least 18 years old, and a permanent resident for at least 5 years
  • Prove continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years before the date of filing Form N-400
  • Prove to have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years before filing Form N-400
  • Have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you apply.
  • Demonstrate that you are a person of good moral character.
What Are Some of the Benefits and Responsibilities of Becoming a United States Citizen?

When you are granted citizenship in the United States, you are given various rights and responsibilities. Some of these rights and responsibilities include:

  • The right to vote: Generally, only U.S. citizens are allowed the right to vote in our elections.
  • Travel with a U.S. passport
  • Bring family members to the United States
  • Obtain citizenship for children who are younger than 18 years old
  • Apply for federal jobs, as most of these jobs will require citizenship
  • Become an elected official. This is one of the highest honors and responsibilities a person can have, and it can only be obtained through U.S. citizenship.
  • Keep your residency. Once you are a citizen, you cannot be removed.
  • Qualify for certain federal grants and scholarships
  • Obtain government benefits
  • Serve on a jury. Jury service is one of the quintessential aspects of citizenship, and by serving, you help uphold the democratic process that our country so highly values.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your citizenship status, reach out to our firm today. We are here to walk you through all of your immigration law matters.

Contact Our Firm

Katona & Associates, PLLC is an experienced, highly dedicated New York City immigration law firm located in lower Manhattan. Our firm works with clients in all matters of immigration law, including employment immigration, family immigration, deportation defense, green cards, and citizenship. Contact us to discuss your case and get the help you need.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Before I decided to hire David as my immigration attorney, I made thorough research online and I can say that I don’t regret a second that I made the right choice to choose him to represent me as my immigration attorney to apply for my green card. From day one, he was very helpful and patient. I asked him lots of questions during the application process and he provided me always great advice. I am definitely recommending David to every person who needs legal advice. He was very helpful." Alper
★★★★★
"Mr. Katona helped us well prepared our AOS interview, and gave us tons of recommendations. He’s not only professional but also very friendly and patient. He listened to our concerns, answered all our questions and eased our anxiety. He went to the interview with us and our case approved on the spot. He’s definitely the best immigration lawyer in the city. If you need an immigration attorney, Mr. Katona is the right person to talk with." Luyao Y.
★★★★★
"I am overjoyed to come back here and give attorney Katona yet another outstanding review. He confidently guided me and I took what other attorneys considered too big of the risk and I am back with GC!!!" Marta