Thinking About Naturalization? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Wait

7 Reasons to Become a U.S. Citizen in 2025

If you’ve considered becoming a U.S. citizen, there has never been a better time to take the next step. The naturalization process has never been faster, and the benefits of citizenship far outweigh the risks of remaining a green card holder. Here’s why you should consider naturalization and what you need to know about the process.

1. Fastest Processing Times in History

Right now, we are seeing an unprecedented turnaround in the naturalization process. USCIS is scheduling N-400 interviews within 2-3 months of filing—an incredible improvement from the average of 6 months it took just last year. This is the fastest I have ever seen, and if you’ve been putting off applying for citizenship, now is the time to act while processing times remain quick.

2. Faster Green Cards for Immediate Family Members

As a U.S. citizen, you have a significant advantage when sponsoring family members for green cards. Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 (immediate family members) of U.S. citizens are not subject to visa quotas, which means their green card applications are processed much faster, usually within a year. On the other hand, green card holders face long wait times (several years, depending on the visa bulletin) when petitioning for their spouses or children, as they are subject to visa number availability.

Only U.S. citizens can sponsor their parents for a green card. If you are a green card holder, you cannot petition your parents. Additionally, U.S. citizens can also bring their fiancé(e)s to the U.S. on a K-1 visa, something green card holders cannot do.

3. Freedom to Live Abroad Without Restrictions

One of the biggest advantages of U.S. citizenship is the ability to travel freely without worrying about time limits. Permanent residents must adhere to strict travel limitations. If you stay outside the U.S. for over 180 days, you may have to prove you did not abandon your residency. If you are outside the U.S. for more than one year, your green card can be revoked unless you apply for a re-entry permit before leaving.

As a U.S. citizen, you can live abroad for as long as you want without needing to maintain any ties to the U.S. or prove your residency status. There are no restrictions, whether you want to retire overseas, take an extended work assignment, or spend time with family abroad.

4. No Need to Renew Your Green Card – Apply for Citizenship Instead

If your 10-year green card is about to expire, rather than renewing it, you can consider applying for U.S. citizenship instead. Once you file your N-400 (citizenship application), you do not need to renew your green card separately. Even if your green card expires during the naturalization process, your expired green card, along with the receipt notice for your pending N-400 application, serves as proof of your legal status until you receive your citizenship. This can save you time and money, as you won’t need to pay the green card renewal fee.

If you are a conditional permanent resident with a two-year green card and have already filed an I-751 petition to remove conditions, you can still apply for naturalization while your removal request is pending. Although USCIS cannot approve your N-400 until your I-751 is adjudicated, filing for citizenship may help expedite the I-751 process. Given that the current processing time for an I-751 can range from 26 to 30.5 months or longer, submitting your N-400 can trigger USCIS to process both applications together.

This often results in a combined interview for the I-751 and N-400, streamlining the process and potentially reducing wait times. When we handle clients’ N-400 applications, we explicitly mention in the cover letter that the applicant has a pending I-751 petition and request that USCIS expedite the processing of the pending application as much as possible. We also request a combined interview for the I-751 and N-400 to streamline the process. This approach has been effective, often leading to a faster resolution of both applications.

5. Automatic Citizenship for Your Children

If you naturalize before your child turns 18, your child automatically becomes a U.S. citizen as long as they are a lawful permanent resident and living with you. This means there is no need to file a separate N-400 for your child. Instead, they can apply for a U.S. passport using your naturalization certificate and other identification. They may also apply for a Certificate of Citizenship (N-600) for formal proof of U.S. citizenship.

This is a huge benefit for families with non-U.S. citizen children who want to ensure their children’s future in the United States.

6. Protection from Deportation – Even with Criminal Convictions

One of the most critical benefits of naturalization is protection from deportation. As a green card holder, you can still be deported if you are convicted of certain crimes, including aggravated felonies or crimes of moral turpitude. However, once you become a U.S. citizen, the government cannot deport you, regardless of any criminal history after naturalization.

7. Expanded Career Opportunities – Federal Jobs & Security Clearances

Many government jobs, including federal, state, and local, are only open to U.S. citizens. This includes roles in law enforcement, intelligence, defense, and other positions that require security clearance. If you’re looking to expand your career options, becoming a U.S. citizen opens doors that would otherwise remain closed to green card holders.

8. The Power to Vote & Participate in Democracy

Perhaps one of the most essential benefits of U.S. citizenship is the ability to vote in elections at all levels—local, state, and federal. You’ll have a say in policies that affect your family, community, and the country as a whole.

Final Thoughts

With record-breaking processing times and life-changing benefits, now is the perfect time to apply for naturalization. If you’ve been debating whether to take the next step, don’t wait—start your journey to U.S. citizenship today.

Please schedule a consultation if you have any questions about the naturalization process, eligibility requirements, or how to get started. I’d be happy to guide you through the process.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult an attorney. Immigration Law Office of Amy Chung, PLLC, is NOT responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided on our website without the firm’s legal representation. Legal representation is ONLY established upon the mutual signing of a Legal Services Agreement AND the prospective client’s payment of the required attorney fee.