I am a German permanent resident in the US and wonder if I should
become a US Citizen. Reasons to become a citizen would be if I have
disadvantages as a permanent resident which are:
financial,or job-related (I am a Dermatologist and researcher), benefits
to my family (my wife and children are US Citizens).
Are there these kind of disadvantages and what are they ? Please have
specific examples. Thanks

Hi! Thanks for the question.

I will direct you to links discussing the advantages and also
disadvantages of being a US Citizen. Here is a list of some advantages
and disadvantages based on the different articles I found.


ADVANTAGES:

- ?The Right to Vote?
- ?Hold Certain Federal Jobs?
- ?Security From Anti-Immigrant Laws?
- ?Security From Deportation?
- ?The Right to Live Outside the U.S. or Take Long Trips?
- ?Special Rights and Protections When Traveling Outside the U.S.?
- ?Ease in Returning to the U.S.?
- ?Increased Ability to Help Family Members Immigrate?
- ?Eligibility for Public Benefits?

?Becoming a U.S. Citizen: A Guide to the Law, Exam & Interview?
://www.google.as/search?q=cache:LLyYE30tyt8J:www.nolo.com/lawstore/products/product.cfm/ObjectID/DC1D1D9D-D566-420D-820B568A03E37755/sampleChapter/3++site:www.nolo.com+advantages+being+%22US+Citizen%22&hl=en


- ?No paperwork of renewing their certificates of naturalization?
- ?Less residency requirements?
- ?Many countries waive visa requirements for U.S. passport holders?
- ?With a U.S. passport, you are eligible for U.S. citizen services
from U.S. embassies and consulates when traveling throughout the
world?

?United States Citizenship?
http://www.immigration-bureau.org/citizenship.htm 


- ?Becoming a U.S. citizen can help your children. Unmarried permanent
resident children under age 18 automatically become citizens when both
parents or a single parent with child custody becomes a citizen.?

?WHY BECOME A U.S. CITIZEN??
http://www.polish.org/en/frames/Old/cit_whb_main.html 


- Taxation
Here is an answer from my fellow researcher Missy-ga about tax advantages.

?In the case of inheritance, it seems that the biggest difference
between citizens and resident aliens is the ability to defer
inheritance taxes on a spouse's estate.  Marital property must be
transferred to a non-citizen through a Qualified Domestic Trust.?

?citizenship and taxation?
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=18798


---------------------------------
DISADVANTAGES:

- ?if you got your green card fraudulently or have since become
deportable, applying for citizenship may bring you to the INS's
attention and result in your deportation?
- ?your native country may not allow dual citizenship?
- ?carrying a U.S. passport may be a security risk in some countries?
- ?you may not be allowed to serve your home country in times of conflict?

?The Disadvantages of Applying for Citizenship?
://www.google.as/search?q=cache:gebGiankiTcJ:www.nolo.com/lawstore/products/product.cfm/ObjectID/DC1D1D9D-D566-420D-820B568A03E37755/sampleChapter/2+advantages+being+%22US+Citizen%22&hl=en


- ?If you become a U.S. citizen, property ownership in your native
country may be a problem?
- ?You may need a work permit to work in your native country if you
are a U.S. citizen.?
- ?You must pass basic English and U.S. government/history tests,
which require study and preparation.?
- ?You may lose your right to vote in your native country.?

?WHY BECOME A U.S. CITIZEN??
http://www.polish.org/en/frames/Old/cit_whb_main.html 


- Jury Duty 
?Although there is a small chance you may never be called to report
for jury duty, know that if you do receive a notice to report, you're
legally compelled to do so. Failure to report for jury duty can result
in a fine, jail time, or both.?

?Determining Whether You Really Want to Become a U.S. Citizen?
http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-2067.html 


- Just like a permanent status you can be drafted in the military.
?Many people believe that if they do not become a US citizen, they
might be able to avoid the military draft. This assumption is not
correct. Any male residing in the US must register for the draft, even
if he is residing in the country without any legal status. If there is
a military emergency, the law may seek to draft citizen and
non-citizen alike. Therefore, avoiding the draft is not reason to stop
from naturalizing. In fact, if you are required to fight for US, you
might as well have all the advantages of being a citizen of this
country.?

?Becoming a United States Citizen?
http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/articles/2001,0327-INSGC.shtm 


Search terms used:
Advantages disadvantages being "US Citizen" "jury duty"

I hope these links would help you in your research. Before rating this
answer, please ask for a clarification if you have a question or if
you would need further information.
                 
Thanks for visiting us.                
                 
Regards,                 
Easterangel-ga                 
Google Answers Researcher

I am a US citizen. My husband, to whom I've been married for 24 years,
is a Canadian citizen with permanent resident alien status.

These are disadvantages that he has encountered:

1. He cannot vote in the United States.

2. There are certain kinds of jobs for which he is not eligible; jobs
which require various kinds of security clearances may require US
citizenship.

3. He cannot serve on a jury.

One thing that many people don't know: being a permanent resident
alien of the United States does not exempt you from the military draft
(at times when the draft exists). My husband, when he was younger, had
to register for the U.S. draft, and he could conceivably have been
called into service.

My husband has just mentioned one other disadvantage: in our state
(Oklahoma), only US citizens are eligible to obtain personal concealed
carry permits for weapons. This means that, although I can be licensed
to carry a gun, my husband cannot be. As is the case with many other
laws, this kind of restriction varies from one jurisdiction to
another.