By: Jennifer Fabian-Verzosa, Esq.

IF YOU ARE WEIGHING THE DECISION OF WHETHER TO APPLY FOR NATURALIZATION NOW OR LATER, READ ON TO EXPLORE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A U.S. CITIZEN IN 2025.

For many Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), the journey to living in the United States has been long and significant. Holding a Green Card grants the right to live and work here permanently, but it is not the final step. Becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen unlocks a new level of rights, responsibilities, security, and belonging. As we move through 2025, taking that step towards U.S. citizenship offers important advantages. If you are eligible, here is why now is an excellent time to consider naturalization.

Security and Peace of Mind: Protection from Deportation

While a Green Card offers permanent residency, it can be revoked under certain circumstances, such as committing specific crimes or staying outside the U.S. for extended periods. U.S. citizenship provides more security. Citizens are not deportable and you can retire or travel outside the U.S. for as long as you wish, offering permanent peace of mind that your right to live in the U.S. cannot be taken away, except in rare cases like fraud in the application process.

2025 has undoubtedly seen a rapidly changing and increasingly hostile immigration climate so far. Some LPRs engaged in protests or political activism, or with old criminal charges or convictions, are being detained and placed in removal proceedings within the U.S. or when returning from trips abroad.

U.S. citizenship can provide the security to insulate you and your family from fears of these types of experiences, including future additional negative changes in immigration. This is an important consideration on whether to apply now, or wait and apply in the future.

Bringing Family Together: Expanded Sponsorship Options

While LPRs can sponsor spouses and unmarried children, U.S. citizens have broader eligibility to petition for more family members, including a fiance, parents, married children, and siblings. You heard that right: Permanent residents  cannot sponsor their parents or their fiance(e)! 

Often, the waiting times for these relatives are significantly shorter for U.S. citizens. Significant, there are no annual visa limits for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens: spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21. This cuts down the wait process significantly. U.S. citizenship can be the key to reuniting your family in the United States, and much faster.

Explore the World: The Power of a U.S. Passport

U.S. citizens can travel visa-free to numerous countries. This includes Mexico, the Philippines, Argentina, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Morocco, Jamaica, Fiji, Thailand, Ecuador, and Malawi, to name but a few. Unlike LPRs who must be mindful of time spent abroad to maintain their status, citizens can travel internationally for extended periods without jeopardizing their right to return home. Furthermore, U.S. citizens can receive assistance from U.S. embassies and consulates while overseas. Re-entry into the U.S. is also typically faster through citizen-only lines.

Your Voice, Your Vote: Full Civic Participation

Perhaps the most fundamental right reserved for citizens is the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections. Citizenship empowers you to participate fully in the democratic process, electing leaders and influencing policies that affect your community and the nation. Beyond voting, citizenship also allows you to run for most elected public offices and serve on a jury, fulfilling vital civic duties.

Benefits for the Next Generation: Citizenship for your Children

Children under 18 who are LPRs can acquire citizenship when their parent(s) naturalize. Furthermore, children born abroad to a U.S. citizen parent are typically also granted citizenship, securing their rights and opportunities from birth.

Unlock Opportunities: Jobs, Education & Finances

U.S. Citizenship opens doors to a wide range of opportunities:

• Federal Jobs: Most positions within U.S. government agencies require citizenship.
• Better Military Jobs: If you are a permanent resident serving in the U.S. military, U.S. citizenship is often a requirement for certain military clearances, especially those involving access to classified information or requiring high security sensitivity.
• Financial Aid: Certain federal grants, scholarships, and specific government benefits are available only to citizens.
• Financial Savings: You will no longer need to pay Green Card renewal fees (saving hundreds of dollars over time), and may benefit from certain tax advantages.

Taking the Leap This Year

The naturalization process involves meeting eligibility requirements (years of permanent residency, physical presence, and good moral character), submitting Form N-400, attending an interview, and passing English and civics tests. Although you can apply yourself, an immigration attorney can help determine your eligibility and reduce errors in the application process.  If you do not meet one or more requirements, it may not be wise or safe to apply, so be sure to get your questions answered  before applying.

While applying requires preparation, becoming a U.S. citizen is more than just a legal status change. It is a commitment to the United States and an embrace of the full rights and responsibilities that come with it. It offers unparalleled security, freedom, and opportunity for yourself and your family.   If you have been considering naturalization, this may be the year that you explore taking this life-changing step.

Our friendly and affordable IMMIGRATION LAW OFFICE provides unparalleled guidance and N-400 application support for individuals ready to take that leap and apply for U.S. citizenship. Contact us today (email | +1(619) 431-2407) to learn more about our comprehensive U.S. Citizenship Legal Services! We provide dedicated in-person and remote legal services.

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** Jennifer Fabian-Verzosa, Esq. is the founding attorney of the Law Office of Jennifer Fabian-Verzosa, an immigration law practice that provides local and remote immigration assistance to clients throughout the U.S. and worldwide.**

DISCLAIMER : This blog provides general information and is not intended to be legal advice. Use of the information does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Any information mentioned does not guarantee or predict outcomes in future cases. Some of this information may be outdated. Please consult an attorney before acting on any material. Please do not submit any time-sensitive or confidential information in the comments below. Any information you send may be publicly-visible and is not protected from disclosure. Jennifer Fabian-Verzosa is the attorney responsible for the content and material on this blog. She is licensed in D.C. and HI, and exclusively practices immigration law in federal jurisdictions.

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