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Did you know that there are currently 9 million permanent residents in the US that are eligible to apply for US citizenship? There are so many benefits of becoming a US citizen and it’s time to spread the word to help those who are eligible to apply, start their application.

Since my family and myself are immigrants, this topic is near and dear to my heart. At a young age, I had to flee the Dominican Republic due to an impending dictatorship. My mother had immense courage in leaving all she knew behind and taking us to a country with hopes of a better life.

This sudden shift in my childhood opened my eyes to the immense possibilities in the United States and beyond. The culture shock, language barrier, and fitting in was a really tough transition. Even though my immediate family was together, we experienced homesickness. Adjusting to new norms, getting to know new people and places felt uncomfortable for a while. Being able to leave a country and come to the United States to become a citizen can truly open so many doors.

Becoming a U.S. citizen has provided me with more security, more opportunities, and a brighter future. This is why I believe that all who are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship should start their application now. With 800K people becoming United States citizens in 2021, let’s up that number and strive for the goal of 2 million this year!

Below are just a few reasons why I believe in the benefits of becoming a US citizen.

The Benefits of Becoming a US Citizen

When I think about my life being lived in another country, I’m immediately grateful for our citizenship here in the United States. I love that we live in a country where we have the freedom to make our own choices, do what we feel is best for me and my family, and work and do as we please with our livelihood and earnings.

I know that we are lucky and fortunate to live the life that we live as citizens of the United States, and I’m hopeful that more people will start their application process as well.

Becoming a US citizen gives you voting rights

I’m originally from the Dominican Republic and my husband is from Cuba. His journey to get to the United States was a tough one. He fled Cuba to escape Fidel Castro and his communist regime. Having the right to vote and make your voice heard is a huge benefit of citizenship. When it comes to deciding who the leader of the country will be, every single vote does matter, and this was very important to him.

Citizenship allows you the ability to travel

To travel and to explore new cultures is our passion. It relieves stress and anxiety and exposes you to new things. Becoming a citizen has made this process super easy! I am very much thankful for this opportunity. There’s literally nothing stopping you once you’re a citizen.

The job pool is larger for citizens

Government jobs tend to come with great pay and great benefits, but to be able to work in a government field or job requires you to be a citizen. Since there are literally hundreds of thousands of employees that work for the government, this also means that there are a lot of job openings as well.

Keep in mind that just because you become a citizen of the United States doesn’t mean that you’re turning your back on your heritage or the country that you are from. You can possibly even have dual citizenship for the US and your country, depending on the country that you’re from.

Reunite with the Family

Immigrating to a foreign country can become difficult especially when you don’t have legal status. That’s why it’s so important to become a citizen. It will facilitate visiting your loved ones in your home country without worrying about returning by a certain date. You won’t miss another wedding, birth, funeral, etc.

It can help immediate family members (spouses, parents, minor children, and unmarried children) obtain their permanent resident visas without a long delay.

Education Opportunities

Becoming a citizen also gave us the opportunity to raise our daughter in a better environment, and to become a responsible citizen herself. At an early age, she got involved in the community and in school and was able to obtain scholarships to top schools in the country. She attended New York University (bachelor’s degree) The University of Michigan (Master’s degree), currently attending Dublin Institute of Technology for a second Master’s degree, and will be pursuing a Ph.D. All FREE!

Are you ready?

If you’ve been living several years in the United States as a permanent resident, you may be wondering if it is better to continue renewing your green card or apply for citizenship through the naturalization process.

Now is the time to apply to become a United States citizen. The process is straightforward to get started and the time is now. Stop missing out on all the benefits of citizenship and make it a reality. We did it and we are so honored.