In the United States, obtaining citizenship grants individuals a range of legal rights and social benefits. While those born in the U.S. automatically acquire citizenship, others may become naturalized citizens by meeting specific requirements. Citizenship provides permanent residency and work authorization, along with legal protections against immigration detention and deportation. Notably, citizens cannot be deported for most violations of U.S. law. Unlike lawful permanent residents (LPRs) who must carry their green cards at all times and renew them periodically, citizens generally don't need to prove their status except during international travel.

Family Benefits

A significant advantage of U.S. citizenship is the ability to pass citizenship to children under 18. Children born either in the U.S. or abroad to citizen parents automatically acquire citizenship. Naturalized citizens can also transmit derived citizenship to their children, ensuring protection under U.S. law for current and future generations.

Citizens enjoy expanded family reunification rights:

  • Can petition for spouses, unmarried children under 18, and parents without numerical visa limitations
  • Receive priority when sponsoring adult children and siblings for immigration

Travel Privileges

U.S. passport ownership represents a major citizenship benefit:

  • No duration restrictions on international travel
  • Guaranteed re-entry to the U.S. (unlike green card holders who may lose status after extended absences)
  • Expedited security screening at ports of entry
  • Access to consular services abroad
  • Visa-free travel to over 100 countries

Government Benefits and Employment

Citizens encounter fewer restrictions when accessing federal assistance programs:

  • Eligibility for Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
  • Protection from immigration-related benefit limitations affecting family members

The employment advantages include:

  • Exclusive access to federal government positions
  • Preference for many state/local government jobs
  • Improved prospects with private employers

Civic Participation

Citizenship confers unique political rights:

  • Voting in all federal, state, and local elections
  • Eligibility for jury service
  • Opportunity to hold elected office (including Congressional positions)
  • Access to exclusive scholarship programs (Fulbright, Gilman, Critical Language Scholarship)

Statistical advantages accompany citizenship:

  • Higher average earnings compared to non-citizens
  • Greater homeownership rates
  • Enhanced community integration and identity affirmation

While current Congress includes over 14% immigrant members (including Representative Ilhan Omar), natural-born and naturalized citizens maintain distinct representative advantages in American civic life.