Why Go for US Citizenship

Video Transcript – Part 4: Why Go for US Citizenship

U.S. Citizenship

Welcome to the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram! We’re so glad you’re here for part four of our video series on U.S. Citizenship. In this presentation, we’ll wrap up our discussion on the topic, and we hope you’ll feel inspired to reach out to us so we can help you get started on your journey as soon as possible.

Let’s summarize some key points: If you’ve spent more than six months outside the U.S. during your qualifying period, but you’ve still spent at least half that time in the U.S., you’re likely in good shape. Of course, we’ll also need to review any other potential issues that could prevent you from gaining U.S. Citizenship, as we discussed in earlier videos.

Why Pursue U.S. Citizenship if You Already Have a Green Card?

If you already have a Green Card, you might wonder why you should pursue U.S. citizenship. The truth is, becoming a U.S. citizen offers significant advantages that go beyond what permanent residency provides.

One of the biggest benefits is family sponsorship. As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your fiancé(e) before marriage, allowing them to enter the U.S. on a fiancé(e) visa. Once married, they can obtain their Green Card in as little as 4-6 months. In contrast, Green Card holders can only sponsor a spouse or unmarried children for permanent residency – meaning if a Green Card holder has a fiancé(e) living abroad, they would first have to get married before starting the sponsorship process, which can take up to two years.

Citizenship also expands your ability to bring other family members to the U.S. Sponsoring parents is relatively fast, often taking less than a year. And while sponsoring siblings can take longer (sometimes a decade or more), they may still be able to visit the U.S. on temporary visas while their applications are being processed. Green Card holders cannot sponsor parents or siblings for residency—but U.S. citizens can.

These are just a few reasons why upgrading from a Green Card to U.S. citizenship is a powerful step. It gives you more freedom, more rights, and more opportunities to unite your family in the United States.

While there has been speculation for years about potential changes to immigration laws, including hopes that sibling Green Card waiting times might be reduced through comprehensive immigration reform, the reality remains uncertain. This unpredictability highlights why pursuing U.S. citizenship is still a wise decision for Green Card holders.
In a landscape where reforms are discussed but rarely enacted, U.S. citizenship provides stability and a stronger platform for securing your family’s future.

Protecting Yourself from Deportation

Another critical reason to consider U.S. Citizenship is protection against deportation. Even the most law-abiding individuals can find themselves in unexpected trouble. For example, you might attend a party, have too much to drink, and accidentally cause a serious traffic accident. If this happens, depending on the circumstances, you could face deportation.
Even less severe actions, like texting while driving, running a red light, or causing harm to others, could have serious legal and immigration consequences. Sometimes, it’s not you but a family member who might be at risk. For instance, teenagers might make mistakes—using a fake ID, experimenting with drugs, or committing petty theft — that could jeopardize their ability to stay in the U.S.

And here’s something many don’t realize: you don’t have to commit a crime to lose your Green Card. Simply leaving the U.S. for over a year without proper documentation can put your status in jeopardy. As a U.S. Citizen, you’re protected from deportation. While you’d still face any applicable criminal penalties, once you’ve served your sentence, your rights as a citizen remain intact.

So, if you’ve held your Green Card for the qualifying period, applying for U.S. Citizenship is the best way to safeguard your family’s future.

Think of it like this: very few people experience a house fire, yet we all pay for home insurance just in case. Applying for U.S. Citizenship is similar. It’s a smart, proactive step to protect yourself and your family.

Some worry that becoming a U.S. Citizen might mean giving up their original citizenship. For most countries, this isn’t the case—dual citizenship is allowed. For the few countries where it’s not, we’ll help you navigate that situation.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this presentation and feel better informed about U.S. Citizenship. When you’re ready to take the next step, give us a call. We’ll be happy to assess your eligibility and guide you through the process. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Chris M. Ingram, a U.S. Immigration Attorney, is originally from Northampton, England. He earned his BA (Hons) in Law from De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, in 1994. In 1996, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PGDLP) at De Montfort School of Law, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Huddersfield University, UK, in 1998. After relocating to the United States, Chris was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2003 and has been a proud member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) since 2004.

Having experienced the U.S. immigration process firsthand with his wife and three children, Chris M. Ingram founded his law firm with a mission to ensure that every client receives the best possible immigration experience. He recognized the need for accessible and comprehensive immigration education, leading him to develop one of the most informative online platforms available today.

The Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram website now features:

• Over 1,000 pages of immigration resources
• Hundreds of educational videos on visa and green card options
• Client success stories and testimonials to inspire new applicants

We continually update and expand our content to keep visitors informed about the latest immigration policies, visa options, and legal strategies.

Chris M. Ingram strongly believes that every potential client deserves a free consultation. This allows individuals to speak personally and confidentially with an immigration specialist about their visa, work permit, or green card options. Our goal is to provide the guidance and expertise needed to help you achieve your American Dream.
We’re delighted you’ve found us, and we look forward to helping you make your immigration journey a reality. You’ve come to the right place!

All videos and content created by the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. If you require specific guidance regarding your immigration case, please contact our office for personalized legal assistance.
Additionally, all images used on our website and in our videos are licensed stock images for illustrative purposes only. They do not depict actual clients or staff members unless otherwise noted