You must have physically resided in the United States for at least half of that time. The notion of residence is complex but in summary, you must have your fiscal and legal home in the USA and be physically present for at least 6 months a year. Indeed, for example, if you have to go to work abroad for an American company, you must first have the permission of the INS to keep your residency rights and things get seriously complicated. You have to be very careful. You must also be a person of “good moral character”, believe in and adopt the principles of the American Constitution. You can find more practical information on the US government website. What you need to know to become an American

The Benefits of Obtaining U.S. Citizenship

The government has published a very comprehensive manual that explains everything you need to know to become an American.

If you are French, you do not lose French nationality because France admits that its nationals have another nationality. It may be useful, you never know, to have two passports, especially since the French passport gives you the right to reside in all European Union countries. Being an American, of course, you can vote and access certain government jobs.

  •  It can also make it easier for your children, parents or spouse to obtain a green card if they so wish.
  • If you want to change your name, it becomes possible by adopting American nationality and it is completely legal.
  • In matters of inheritance, this can offer greater security for the spouse… Being an American, you are not subject to the “TAMRA” inheritance law, which is very important.

If you are a USA citizen, you inherit all of your spouse’s property with proof of your marriage by showing a bona fide marriage affidavit sample and you will get the property without paying any taxes.

If you are not an “American Citizen”, you will pay very heavy inheritance taxes (they can go up to 55%). You still benefit from the common deduction which was $ 600,000 in 1997. And which increases each year to reach one million dollars in 2006. If you are the United States or United States Resident, you will have to declare the estates for all the assets you are entitled to. inherit anywhere in the world, still with a $ 100,000 deductible. This does not necessarily mean that you will have to pay additional taxes. But if you are only a resident, you will not be entitled to the “Marital Deduction” in the event of the death of your spouse.

With the anti-immigrant tidal wave, Congress passed a new law in 1996. And that law virtually removes all welfare benefits from anyone who is not American. So if you remain a Permanent Resident and if you get into trouble, you will not be entitled to SSI (Supplemental Security Income), “food stamps”. In addition, if you still benefit from some aid to which you may be entitled, you will have difficulty obtaining your nationality because you will not be a person of “good moral character”.

What Happens if you Live Outside the United States for More Than 6 Months?

If you wish to live outside the United States or simply be more than 180 cumulative days per year outside the United States and retain the right to reside and work in the United States, you must be a “citizen”.

With the green card only, if you are no longer a resident, you lose all your rights.

Finally, the last point, never having to deal with BCIS again is in itself, it seems to be a good deal!

As with everything, all advantages bring with them some disadvantages …

The Disadvantages of Becoming an American

It’s final (or almost). US law requires you to pay taxes on anything you earn in the world regardless of where your green card. This means, for example, that if you come back to live in France, you will continue to file a tax return in the United States all your life.