Considerations before You Apply for Naturalization as a U.S. Citizen

Should you or a loved one apply for naturalization as a United States citizen? This is a big decision for green card holders who may qualify. While plenty of reasons to become a naturalized citizen exist, you should consider all of your options.



Which is the right path for you or your family? Your personal situation and goals can be the deciding factor. Read on to learn what you need to know about certain circumstances. 

If You Want to Sponsor Someone 

Many people who have moved to a new country want to help their friends and family enjoy the same benefits they've found. This often means sponsoring an immediate family member or relative for permission to enter the U.S. to live and work. While lawful permanent residents can sponsor others, the process is easier and more successful if the sponsor is a citizen. 

If You May Have Committed Fraud

When you apply for naturalized citizenship, government agencies will open up your entire immigration file and inspect it. For many immigrants, this is not a problem because they've lived a quiet life and obeyed the laws of the country.

However, unexpected problems can pop up once your file is scrutinized. For example, did you say anything untruthful on your original application? Could your employer or sponsor have said anything untruthful? Did the employer follow all necessary employment rules, keep records, and pay all their taxes? Some people don't know if they accidentally or someone else deliberately committed fraud. 

If You Want to Split Your Time

Becoming a citizen is a huge benefit for immigrants who want to return to their home country for a longer period of time. While you are limited in how long you may spend outside the United States while on a visa or green card, you may spend as much of your time elsewhere as you want once you're a citizen.

This is also important if you want to travel to other countries than where you came from. 

If You Don't Want More Taxes

The United States has a tax system that can cause some citizens problems. The most common for immigrants is what's known as double taxation. The U.S. expects you to pay taxes on all income earned worldwide — not just in the U.S.

You may get credit for paying taxes in another country, but this doesn't always work out to your advantage. If you are not interested in significant double taxation, citizenship may not be in your best interests. 

If You Want Certain Jobs

Anyone in the country on a temporary visa or green card is limited in what work they may pursue. The range of jobs available to green card holders is usually the widest in all immigration areas, but some jobs may still be out of reach without citizenship.

This often includes higher governmental and security positions as well as public office. If your goal is to move up to any of these, you'll need to secure citizenship. 

If You Committed a Crime

Finally, if you've been in the country for some time and have been arrested or committed a crime, citizenship may be even harder to achieve.

This can be a tough obstacle for anyone who wants to become a citizen. In some cases, you may not even need to have been convicted. And in gray areas like cannabis use, federal law may prohibit something that state law permits. 

Where to Start

The best way to make the momentous decision to seek naturalization or not is to meet with the Law Office Of Orlando Mondragon. We've assisted your Texas neighbors with all their immigration law needs for more than 20 years. Call today to make an appointment and let us help you too.