Earning citizenship has many benefits for New Americans who have begun building their lives in Salt Lake County. New Americans enrich our communities with their unique experiences and background. United for Citizenship is a Welcoming Salt Lake initiative that brings together individuals, nonprofits, local government, and private businesses to encourage and support the over 22,000 legal permanent residents eligible to naturalize in Salt Lake County.
Earning U.S. citizenship has many benefits for New Americans who have begun building their lives in our community.
U.S. citizens cannot be deported out of the county.
U. S. citizens can file immigration petitions with the government to reunite with family members. In addition to filing for spouses and unmarried children, U.S. citizens can petition for family members such as parents, siblings, and married children.
Children under the age of 18 who are lawful permanent residents automatically become U.S. citizens when their parents naturalize. Everyone born in the United States is automatically a citizen.
Only U.S. citizens can vote in national elections and run for local office.
U.S. citizens earn approximately 60% more than non-citizens.
U.S. citizens have more financial aid opportunities to help pay for a college education. Many financial aid grants and college scholarships are available only to U.S. citizens.
U.S. passport holders have the freedom to travel without restrictions, such as time limits. Passport holders may also seek the help and protection of U.S. embassies and consulates abroad in the event of a personal crisis or civil unrest. U.S. citizens can also live outside of the United States while keeping their citizenship status.
The current cost to renew a green card is $540, which includes a $455 filing fee and an $85 biometrics fee. The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725, which includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services.