Not after 1924. While a U.S. citizen petitions for his or her spouse to become a lawful permanent resident, in order to become a U.S. citizen, permanent residents must apply themselves. In some cases, children under 18 automatically become U.S. citizens upon the naturalization of their parents.
Reasons to Naturalize
- S. citizens can vote, serve on juries, hold political office, and qualify for government jobs. U.S. citizens travel freely, whereas green card holders may lose their residency if they spend long periods of time abroad.
- S. citizens cannot be deported.
- S. citizens may petition for their parents, married sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters to become permanent residents in the United States. Also, their close relatives may immigrate more quickly.
- S. citizens may be subject to lower estate taxes.
- S. citizens who retire abroad receive full Social Security benefits, whereas permanent residents receive only 50 percent.
Reasons Not to Naturalize
- In some cases, individuals may lose their native nationality and overseas property rights or titles of nobility.
- When reviewing the applications for naturalization, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may discover past fraud, criminal convictions, or other reasons to begin deportation proceedings.
- Having made a false claim to citizenship, such as voting in a governmental election, can result in deportation.
