With new immigration policies taking shape, many Green Card holders are considering whether now is the right time to apply for U.S. citizenship. Becoming a citizen offers long-term security and benefits, including protection from policy changes that could impact permanent residents.
The Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
Becoming a U.S. citizen comes with several long-term advantages that go beyond just securing your immigration status:
- Permanent Security – Legitimate U.S. citizens cannot be deported or lose their status due to policy changes.
- No More Renewals – Unlike Green Card holders, U.S. citizens never have to renew their status or worry about stricter renewal policies.
- Expanded Family Sponsorship – Citizens can sponsor additional family members, including parents, siblings, and married adult children, with shorter wait times than Green Card holders.
- Freedom to Travel – No restrictions on how long you can stay outside the U.S., unlike Green Card holders who must maintain continuous residence.
- No More Immigration Paperwork – Citizens do not have to update their address with immigration authorities or carry proof of status at all times.
- Right to Vote & Run for Office – Participate fully in U.S. democracy by voting in elections and, in many cases, running for public office.
- More Job Opportunities – Many government jobs, including those requiring security clearances, are only open to U.S. citizens.
- Protection from Immigration Policy Changes – Citizenship ensures you are not affected by future policy changes for green card holders, it protects you for deportation, and relieves your sponsor from liability and burdensome government regulations.
Key Immigration Policy Changes to Be Aware Of
Recent and proposed policies may affect Green Card holders in different ways. Here’s what’s happening:
1. Increased Immigration Enforcement
The current administration has prioritized stricter immigration enforcement, including focusing on deportations for individuals with certain criminal histories, even for older or some types of minor offenses. While Green Card holders have legal status, they are still subject to removal under certain circumstances.
What You Can Do: U.S. citizenship provides the highest level of protection from deportation, ensuring permanent status.
2. Green Card Renewals Facing More Scrutiny
Policy changes have led to increased background checks and financial assessments for Green Card renewals.¹ Some applicants may face delays or denials, especially if they’ve spent extended time outside the U.S. or have other legal issues.
What You Can Do: U.S. citizens do not have to renew their status, removing the risk of future policy shifts affecting their ability to stay in the U.S.
3. Potential Changes to Family-Based Immigration
Discussions around immigration reform often include proposals to limit family sponsorship options. Some past proposals have suggested restricting sponsorship for siblings or adult children, though no official policy has been enacted yet.²
What You Can Do: U.S. citizens generally have more options and shorter wait times when sponsoring family members compared to Green Card holders.
4. Public Charge Considerations
If certain green card holders receive public benefits, the person that sponsored you for the green card is on the hook for any public benefit you received. In other words, your sponsor is liable for any public funds you receive and could be sued. Also, your sponsor must report a change in address to the government each time they move residences.
What You Can Do: When you become a US citizen, you take a burden off your sponsor. Your sponsor is no longer liable for public benefits you may receive and no longer needs to report a change of address.
Why Acting Now Could Be Beneficial
With policy changes under discussion, applying for citizenship sooner rather than later may be a good decision for some Green Card holders. Consider these factors:
- Policy Uncertainty – Immigration policies can change with different administrations, impacting Green Card holders.
- Longer Processing Times – Citizenship applications can take time to process, and delays could increase with higher demand.
- Potential Test Changes – Citizenship test requirements have been revised in the past and could change again in the future.
How We Can Help
We make the citizenship application process easier by guiding you every step of the way:
- Application Assistance – Ensuring all forms are completed accurately to avoid unnecessary delays.
- Interview Preparation – Helping you feel confident when meeting with a USCIS officer.
- Citizenship Test Support – Providing resources to help you pass the test.
- Payment Plans – We can help you explore payment options to make the process more affordable.
- Fee Waiver & Reduced Cost Eligibility – We’ll help determine if you qualify to apply for free or at a reduced rate.
- Test Exemptions & Language Accommodations – If you meet certain requirements, we can help you avoid taking the test or taking it in English.
Applying for U.S. citizenship is a significant step, and being informed about current policies can help you make the best decision for your future.
