approved for green card: don't forget

[bb_5555]

once you are approved as LPR you are entitled to a whole bunch of benefits

first you may be able to vote in local elections.

but most important you are now entitled to social security benefits like medicare when you turn 65 and ssdi if you become disabled.

everyone make sure you call social security and let them know that you are now a lawful permanent resident. That way they can take off any and all work restrictions from your record.

also you have to do this again when you become citizen.

Don't think INS is going to do this for you.

also if you don't care to vote and don't mind dealing with your local consulate then you really don't ever have to become citizen.

I know becoming citizen is a very personal decision for most of you and I just want you to know this so you can make an informed decision about citizenship.

best wishes to you all recent gc recipients.

 

[wik]

everyone make sure you call social security and let them know that you are now a lawful permanent resident. That way they can take off any and all work restrictions from your record.

I would suggest visiting your local SS office, as they need to see your LPR card and you have to hand in your old SSN cards. They issue new ones in a couple of weeks without and INS endorsements. Not sure a phone call will do it, but I could be wrong.

 

[teddy_b]

2bb_5555

also if you don't care to vote and don't mind dealing with your local consulate then you really don't ever have to become citizen.

You also won't be able to get a security clearance unless you're a citizen.

2wik

They issue new ones in a couple of weeks without and INS endorsements.

Do I also need to apply for SSN card for my 13 year old son?

 

[PeterPany]

I think you under estimate the benefits of citizenship for people who want to call the USA their home. You are more secure as a citizen and can leave and enter as you want. Also if you are on social security programs and re-enter the USA after a stay longer then 6 months you could face issues related to readmission as you are technically a public charge.

I agree its personal, but to be honest, I would be happy to swear to a flag, if i can sleep better at night knowing that I have full rights and freedoms to be in a country.

 

[AmericanWannabe]

I don't think it is a good idea for PRs to vote in local election even if it
is legal. If you do, you have to say Yes when asked "have you
voted in election" at the time of natutalirzation. You may need
to make extra efforts to explain the local laws.

 

[sadiq]

If you are determined to vote, just keep a copy of the voting pamphlet. It will specify the eligibiity for voting. In the state of Washington (where I live) for example only US citizens are allowed to vote. Now if I could vote in a local election I would.

Rgds,
sadiq

 

[Rich00]

To Teddy_b

I might be wrong, but believe you should get a SS# for your son; even if he's a year old only. All his school records will be tied to that number, otherwise the school board may assign him a dummy number. Applying for college with a dummy SS# is a total nightmare. Even with a dummy SS# assigned, his school records would be floating in the middle of nowhere, and they are very likely to be lost.
That's why you should file a work authorization for him, even if he will never work. It's the only way the SSA will issue a SS# for him.

Rich

 

[wik]

Do I also need to apply for SSN card for my 13 year old son?

I would. It is an important identifier for future benefits. Our daughters were born in the US and the hospital applied for their SSNs at birth. They had their cards/numbers when only one month old. The numbers are used for all sorts of things, even things like medical treatment and hospital stays. And when he needs a driving license in a few years, he will need an SSN!

 

[pralay]

You also won't be able to get a security clearance unless you're a citizen.

Actually there is no relation between security clearance and citizenship. Even a visa holder can get any level security clearance. The problem is that most of the jobs requirements are tied to both security clearance and citizenship. For example, a job posting could be: Top Secret Clearance obtained within last 2 years and born US citizen (naturalized citizen or green card holders will not be considered).

Do I also need to apply for SSN card for my 13 year old son?

yes.

 

[bb_5555]

I understand all your concerns.

I just don't want people to become citizen simply because they feel they have to. Most people tend to take this step simply because their kids are citizen.

I am a US citizen and I simply cannot imagine myself swearing allegiance to another country. Of course that's easy for me to say. My wife however was born and raised in Korea and she feels that the Korean government does not protect its people. she has really felt this way since that korean guy got beheaded by terrorists in Saudi arabia.

as for the question of ssn. You kind of have to have one if you are going to be living in this country. my mother applied for one for me immediately after I was born and the same is true for virtually everyone. schools may let you in without one but they won't do it willingly and they will bug you about it forever.