What Are the Main Benefits of U.S. Citizenship in 2025?

If you want more chances in life, U.S. citizenship in 2025 can help a lot. You can vote. You can help your kids become citizens. You can get jobs that only citizens can have. Here are some main benefits of citizenship in the US:

You can see that being a citizen is more than just paperwork. In 2025, it may seem hard to apply because rules are stricter. But U.S. citizenship gives you safety and peace of mind. If you become a citizen, you give yourself and your family more chances forever.

• Rights of a U.S. Citizen
• Benefits of Citizenship in the US
• Travel Freedom with U.S. Citizenship
• Financial Benefits of Citizenship
• FAQs

Rights of a U.S. Citizen

Voting Rights

When you become a U.S. citizen, you can vote. This lets you help pick leaders and change laws. You join many other citizens who share their opinions. In the 2024 federal election, lots of people voted.

• 65.3% of U.S. citizens voted in 2024.
• 63.9% of eligible voters went to vote.

Your vote matters a lot. By voting, you help make choices for your town and country. Voting and running for office are important parts of being a citizen.

Eligibility for Public Office

Citizens can run for public office. This means you can lead and help others. Each office has its own rules.

If you want to make changes, citizenship lets you try. You can work toward these jobs after you become a citizen.

Legal Protections

Citizens get strong legal protections. You are safe from being sent out of the country. Your family feels better knowing you cannot be removed. You also get rights that non-citizens do not have.

The Fourteenth Amendment says: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Not everyone born in the U.S. is a citizen, especially if their parents were here unlawfully or had temporary status.

Here are some cases that show how citizens and non-citizens are different:

These rights give you more safety and peace as a U.S. citizen.

Benefits of Citizenship in the US

Access to Government Jobs

When you become a citizen, you can try new jobs. Some jobs are only for citizens. You can work for the FBI or Department of State. You can also work for other federal agencies. These jobs often pay more than private jobs. They also give better benefits. You can work for state government too. Here are some jobs only citizens or nationals can get:

• Federal law enforcement positions
• National security roles
• Jobs in the U.S. Postal Service
• Careers with the Department of Homeland Security

These jobs help you have a steady and strong future.

Public Benefits and Social Programs

Citizenship gives you more than just work. You can use federal benefits and social programs. These help you and your family stay safe and healthy. Many programs are only for citizens. Here are some you can get:

• Medicaid (except for emergency services)
• Medicare
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Rental assistance from HUD
• Head Start for early childhood education
• Adoption Assistance and Foster Care
• Child Care and Development Fund
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Social Services Block Grant (SSBG)
• Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Residential Energy Assistance Challenge Option (REACH)

These programs help you save money and make life easier.

Federal Financial Aid

Citizens can get help to pay for college. You can apply for special scholarships and grants. Only citizens can get these. Here are some examples:

Federal financial aid makes college cost less. Citizenship gives you more choices for school and your future.

Tip: Some people think permanent residents get the same benefits as citizens. That is not true. Citizenship gives you special rights and chances.

Becoming a citizen lets you get these benefits. You can have more safety, better jobs, and help for your family.

Family Sponsorship and Reunification

Petitioning for Relatives

When you become a citizen, you can help your family move to the U.S. You can sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and siblings. This helps families be together and gives them a better life. In 2024, many people used this way:

Many families get back together every year. If you want to bring your family, citizenship helps a lot.

Citizenship for Children

You can help your kids become citizens if you are a U.S. citizen. Sometimes, your child gets citizenship right away. Here are the main rules:

• Your child must be under 18 and not married.
• At least one parent must be a U.S. citizen.
• Your child needs a green card.
• Your child must live with you in the U.S.

This helps your kids have a good start and more chances.

Faster Processing

Citizens get faster help when they sponsor family. The wait for Form I-130 for close family is about 14.8 months in 2025. The Immediate Relative Visa is a quicker way for families to be together. You can also ask for faster help if you have an emergency, like:

• Medical emergencies
• Safety concerns
• Urgent family needs
• Immediate job transfers

This shows that America cares about keeping families together. You can bring your family and start a new life in the U.S.

Travel Freedom with U.S. Citizenship

U.S. Passport Advantages

After you become a citizen, you can get a U.S. passport. This passport lets you travel to many places. You do not need a visa for 139 countries. In 36 countries, you get a visa when you arrive. Planning trips is much easier now. You do not fill out long visa forms. The U.S. passport gives you more benefits. Look at this table:

Traveling with a U.S. passport feels safe. You can go to new places or come home quickly.

Consular Protection Abroad

If you have problems in another country, U.S. consulates can help you. They fix many issues for citizens. Here are some things they do:

Federal agencies also help if you live or work outside the U.S. Here is what they do:

You always have help when you travel with a U.S. passport.

Easier International Travel

Travel is smoother for U.S. citizens. You can use special lines at airports. You get through border checks faster. Many countries let you in without extra papers. It is easy to visit family or go on vacation. You can plan trips quickly and have more freedom. You feel safe knowing help is close.

Tip: If you want to travel, U.S. citizenship gives you great tools for safe and easy trips.

Financial Benefits of Citizenship

Avoiding Green Card Renewal Fees

If you become a U.S. citizen, you do not need to renew your green card anymore. Permanent residents must renew their green cards every ten years. Each time, it costs a lot of money. You also have to fill out forms and wait for approval. If you forget to renew, you could have trouble at work or when you travel.

Here’s what you skip as a citizen:

• You do not pay green card renewal fees, which can be over $500 every ten years.
• You do not have extra paperwork or wait for approval.
• You do not risk losing your status because of missed deadlines.

You save both money and time. You also feel calm knowing your status is safe. After you finish the naturalization process, you never worry about renewing your green card again.

Increased Earnings Potential

Citizenship can help you earn more money. Many employers want to hire citizens for better jobs. Some jobs, especially in the government, are only for citizens. You also get more chances for promotions and higher pay.

Let’s look at some numbers:

• Naturalized citizens earn about $67,000 for men and $54,000 for women.
• Noncitizens earn less, with $46,000 for men and $38,000 for women.
• Median household income for citizens is $84,000, while noncitizens have $64,000.

Your wages can go up after you become a citizen. Studies show that legalization brings a 10 percent wage increase. Becoming a citizen gives you another 5 percent boost.

A big study found that immigrants who arrive young and earn college degrees pay much more in taxes than they get in benefits. Over a lifetime, this can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in net positive contributions. So, citizenship helps you earn more and helps your family have a stronger future.

You gain so much when you complete naturalization. Here’s what stands out:

• You can vote and run for office.
• You help your family join you faster.
• You get protection from deportation and full legal rights.
• You can apply for federal jobs and financial aid.
• You travel with a U.S. passport and feel safe anywhere.

U.S. citizenship brings peace of mind, more choices, and a stronger future for your family. If you want security and new opportunities, this is a great step.

FAQs

Can you lose U.S. citizenship after naturalization?

You usually keep your citizenship for life. If you break certain laws or give up your citizenship on purpose, you could lose it. Most people stay citizens after naturalization.

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen?

You might wait 8 to 14 months for your application to finish. The time depends on where you live and how busy your local office is. You can check your case status online.

Do you need to speak English to become a citizen?

Yes, you need basic English skills. You answer questions and read simple sentences during your interview. Some older applicants or people with disabilities may get exceptions.

Can you travel outside the U.S. for a long time as a citizen?

You can leave the country for as long as you want. Your citizenship does not expire if you travel or live abroad. You just need your U.S. passport to return.

What benefits do your children get if you become a citizen?

Your kids may get citizenship automatically if they are under 18 and live with you. They also get better chances for school, jobs, and travel in the future.