The Right to Vote-One of the Basic Benefits of a US Citizen
Be a part of democracy - One of the basic rights you have as a U.S. citizen is citizenship Benefits-Help With Reuniting the right to vote. Guarantee yourself this right so you have a say in how you want your country governed. Citizenship benefits include the privilege to participate in government by electing those who create and debate the laws.

Citizenship Benefits-Help With Reuniting Families
Help your relatives-This is one of the best benefits of a US citizen: you can help certain relatives obtain their Visa without extended delays. Every year, the U.S. normally limits the number of Visas issued in each family category. This means that the waiting time for a Visa depends on who your relative is, and can be long and uncertain. However, some relatives get to enjoy the citizenship benefits of U.S. citizens if they're considered "immediate relatives": spouses, parents and minor, unmarried children. For these relatives, there is no limit to the number of Visas issued each year. There are also other privileges that immediate relatives have that may make it easier for them to get permanent residence in the U.S.

Protecting Your Children's Right to Remain in the U.S.
Extend the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen to your children - Permanent resident children under the age of eighteen, who are in the lawful legal and physical custody of their naturalizing parents, automatically become U.S. citizens when their parents become naturalized.

In Cases Involving Illegal Activity
Protect yourself - Everyone in this country shares the duty to follow the laws.However, there are many benefits to being a citizen in the event you are accused of any illegal activity. As a permanent resident, you remain within the authority of the U.S. of Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly known as the INS) and the Immigration Courts and can be removed (or deported) for such activity. As a citizen, you have the right to an attorney and a fair trial without being deported.

Eliminate travel hassles - Are you concerned with leaving and re-entering the country? As a U.S. citizen, you are not restricted on the time you can spend outside of the U.S. Permanent residents can lose their status if they leave the country for 180 days or longer. For extended absences, permanent residents must obtain a re-entry permit. As a U.S. citizen, you can skip this process and live abroad without jeopardizing your citizenship status. Travel is also more convenient because many countries do not require visas of U.S. citizens.

Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general requirements for administrative naturalization include:

a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
an ability to read, write, and speak English;
a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
good moral character;
attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,
favorable disposition toward the United States.

All naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character, attachment, and favorable disposition. The other naturalization requirements may be modified or waived for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. citizens. Applicants should review the materials listed under "Related Links" and carefully read the N-400 application instructions before applying.

Note: Recent changes in immigration law and USCIS procedures now make it easier for U.S. military personnel to naturalize (see Naturalization Information for Military Personnel).

Naturalization Interviews to Be Conducted on Saturdays, sundaes and After Business Hours on Weekdays

In Fiscal Year 2007, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) received a significant increase in naturalization applications. To address this increase, USCIS is expanding work hours and adding staff to complete these filings within processing time goals.

As part of this effort, many naturalization applicants will receive an appointment notice for an interview that will be scheduled after normal business hours on a weekday, or on Saturday or Sunday, at a USCIS office where their application is being processed. This interview is very important, and applicants should make every effort to appear for the scheduled interview since the current USCIS policy for rescheduling of interviews still applies. Please refer to the appointment notice for additional information about the appointment and the rescheduling policy.

Note: Some naturalization interviews may take place at an asylum office within the jurisdiction of the local USCIS office processing the application.

This page can be found at http://www.uscis.gov/naturalization