Why and Why Not American Citizenship

American citizenship is the pinnacle in terms of immigration status to any person. It is indeed a known fact that becoming an American citizen is a tremendous honor and no easy accomplishment. There are many benefits of being a US citizen. Though one knows it, there are many green card holders, though eligible for citizenship, do not go for it. Per estimates, more than eight million green card holders are eligible to apply for citizenship. But the USCIS will not receive eight million naturalization applications as many hesitate to apply. Lets run through the reasons why people apply for American citizenship and why others back off. Some are very much content sleeping on a permanent resident status, though they qualify for citizenship.

Why apply for American citizenship ?

Benefits, Opportunity and Quality of Life

The desire to earn benefits, for oneself or one’s family, is a major reason immigrants have in mind for taking the step towards naturalization. Plenty of economic opportunities, to move ahead in position and to live in the greater comfort and style of the American way of life is another dominant motive that generates interest in naturalization

Legal Rights, Civil Rights,Political Participation

Another major motive behind running for citizenship is to fight discrimination and ensure equal treatment. Though citizenship gives voting rights, only a very few take it as the reason to get naturalized. As civic values, voting and civic engagement may be at the top of the priority list, but does it endorse high on the open-ended list of reasons for becoming a citizen ? The answer is no.

Staying with loved ones :

Though the main reason is economic opportunities and a better lifestyle, having those without your loved ones nearby could create a deep dent in the heart. Uniting with family or helping other family members come to the United States is another dominant factor that goes in for citizenship.

Reasons why some hold back from applying for citizenship :

Why is naturalization not frequently thought about? Not being eligible to apply is one valid reason. Some do not have the time. Though it might sound a bit senseless, it is also one of the reasons. A few reasons are :

Eligibility Requirement Barriers :

If we ponder if it is the language skill or educational level that is the obstacle in the naturalization process, we need to understand that it is language skill and not educational level that is the barrier. The citizenship test is disproportionately a test of the applicant's basic English ability. In the civics section, the applicant is required to have basic knowledge of US civics and government and it does not require a high school or college education and can be mustered by persons of almost all educational levels. Do not having a formal education is not the barrier to successfully passing the test.

Cost :

The USCIS increases the fee of the immigration forms once in two years. Though naturalization applicants got a breather this time as USCIS did not increase the fee for the citizenship form, N-400, it may not be the same the next time. The high fee involved with the citizenship application is at times proposed as a barrier in the naturalization process.

Strong ties to home country :

Another reason for not pursuing naturalization is that many immigrants do not intend to remain in

the United States forever. Proximity to one's home country allows immigrants to maintain their culture and language to a far greater degree.

Ignorance :

Though not so dominant, this is another factor that can be attributed as a reason for not running for citizenship. Though the USCIS has many resources to help naturalization applicants, many are just not aware of the process. That is the main reason why the USCIS has launched a campaign promoting US citizenship. These are only few of the reasons and does not include all.

American citizenship is the pinnacle in terms of immigration status to any person. Lets run through the reasons why people apply for <a href="http://www.uscitizenship.info/articles/the-american-citizenship-process/index.html">American citizenship</a> and why others back off. The high fee involved with the <a href="http://www.uscitizenship.info/us-citizenship/U-S-Citizenship-application-Form-N-400.jsp">citizenship form</a> is at times proposed as a barrier in the naturalization process.