Sauder Village Celebrates 75 New US Citizens on Fourth of July

Key Takeaways

• In 2024, 818,500 people became U.S. citizens, with 75 naturalized at Sauder Village on July 4th.
• Naturalization requires 5 years permanent residency, English and civics tests, with fees around $760 (Form N-400).
• Permanent residents cannot vote or hold U.S. passports; naturalized citizens have full political and travel rights.

For many immigrants, the journey to becoming a U.S. citizen is both a personal milestone and a life-changing event. The naturalization process, which ends with a moving ceremony like the one recently held at Sauder Village, is a path chosen by hundreds of thousands each year. But what does this journey really involve, and how does it compare to simply remaining a permanent resident (green card holder)? This comparison will help you understand the requirements, timelines, costs, and benefits of naturalization versus permanent residency, so you can make the best decision for your situation.

Introduction: Two Paths—Permanent Residency vs. Naturalization

Immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸 often face a big decision: Should they stay as permanent residents or take the next step and become U.S. citizens through naturalization? Each path has its own rules, benefits, and challenges. While permanent residency allows you to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸, naturalization opens the door to new rights and responsibilities, including the chance to vote and hold a U.S. passport.

The recent naturalization ceremony at Sauder Village, where 75 new U.S. citizens took the Oath of Allegiance on the Fourth of July, highlights the importance and emotional impact of this choice. As reported by VisaVerge.com, such ceremonies are not only symbolic but also mark the end of a long process and the beginning of a new chapter for many.

Let’s look closely at both options, comparing their requirements, timelines, costs, and the pros and cons for different situations.

Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply?

Permanent Residency (Green Card Holder)

• Eligibility: Most people become permanent residents through family sponsorship, employment, refugee or asylum status, or special programs. Once you have a green card, you can live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 indefinitely, as long as you follow the rules.
• Key Points:
  • Must not leave the United States 🇺🇸 for long periods without permission.
  • Must renew your green card every 10 years.
  • Must avoid certain crimes or actions that could lead to deportation.

Naturalization (Becoming a U.S. Citizen)

• Eligibility: To apply for naturalization, you must:
  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
  • Have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least half of that time.
  • Show good moral character (no serious crimes).
  • Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
  • Pass a civics test about U.S. history and government.
  • Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

For more details, you can check the official USCIS eligibility requirements.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Comparison

Permanent Residency

• Initial Application: Usually involves Form I-130 (family) or Form I-140 (employment), along with supporting documents.
• Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing: Depending on whether you are in the United States 🇺🇸 or abroad.
• Green Card Issued: Once approved, you receive your green card.
• Renewal: Every 10 years, you must file Form I-90 to renew your green card.

Naturalization

• Step 1: Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet all requirements.
• Step 2: Prepare Application: Complete Form N-400 and gather documents.
• Step 3: Submit Application: File with USCIS and pay the fee.
• Step 4: Biometrics Appointment: Give fingerprints and photos if needed.
• Step 5: Interview and Tests: Meet with a USCIS officer, answer questions, and take the English and civics tests.
• Step 6: Oath Ceremony: Attend a naturalization ceremony, like the one at Sauder Village, and take the Oath of Allegiance.

Timelines: How Long Does Each Path Take?

Permanent Residency

• Initial Process: Can take from several months to several years, depending on the category and country of origin.
• Renewal: Green card renewal usually takes 6-12 months.

Naturalization

• Application to Oath: The average time from submitting Form N-400 to attending a naturalization ceremony is 8-14 months, though this can vary by location and case load.
• Recent Trends: In 2024, USCIS received nearly 1 million naturalization applications, with an approval rate of over 89%. The Biden administration has worked to reduce processing times, but backlogs can still occur.

Costs: What Will You Pay?

Permanent Residency

• Initial Application Fees: Vary by category, but often range from $1,200 to $2,000, including government and legal fees.
• Renewal Fee: As of 2025, the fee for renewing a green card with Form I-90 is $540.

Naturalization

• Application Fee: The fee for Form N-400 is $760 (as of 2025). There may be additional costs for legal help, translations, or travel to appointments.
• Other Costs: Some applicants may qualify for fee waivers or reductions based on income.

Rights and Benefits: What Do You Gain?

Permanent Residents

• Can:
  • Live and work anywhere in the United States 🇺🇸.
  • Own property and attend public schools.
  • Apply for a driver’s license and Social Security number.
  • Sponsor certain family members for green cards.
• Cannot:
  • Vote in federal elections.
  • Hold certain government jobs.
  • Travel with a U.S. passport.
  • Stay outside the United States 🇺🇸 for long periods without risking status.

U.S. Citizens (Naturalized)

• Can:
  • Vote in all elections.
  • Apply for a U.S. passport.
  • Run for public office (except President or Vice President).
  • Sponsor more family members for immigration.
  • Receive full protection from deportation.
  • Qualify for more government jobs and benefits.
• Must:
  • Serve on a jury if called.
  • May be required to serve in the military if needed.

Challenges and Responsibilities

Permanent Residents

• Must keep their green card up to date.
• Must avoid actions that could lead to removal (deportation), such as certain crimes or long absences from the United States 🇺🇸.
• May face limits on government benefits.

U.S. Citizens

• Take on new responsibilities, like voting and jury duty.
• Must give up allegiance to other countries (though the United States 🇺🇸 allows dual citizenship in many cases).
• Must keep up with tax and legal obligations, even if living abroad.

Side-by-Side Summary Table

Pros and Cons for Different Situations

When Permanent Residency Might Be Best:

• You plan to live in the United States 🇺🇸 for a short time or are unsure about staying long-term.
• You want to keep citizenship in your home country and your country does not allow dual citizenship.
• You are not yet ready to meet the English or civics test requirements.

When Naturalization Makes Sense:

• You want to vote and have a say in government decisions.
• You want to bring more family members to the United States 🇺🇸.
• You want the security of knowing you cannot be deported.
• You travel often and want the protection of a U.S. passport.
• You want access to more jobs and benefits.

Real-Life Example: The Sauder Village Naturalization Ceremony

The recent naturalization ceremony at Sauder Village on the Fourth of July is a powerful example of what this process means to new citizens. Seventy-five people from many different backgrounds stood together to take the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming U.S. citizens. For many, this moment is the result of years of hard work, waiting, and hope.

Such ceremonies are held across the country, from Sauder Village to Oregon’s North Coast, where 30 people from 17 countries recently became citizens. These events show the diversity of new U.S. citizens and the importance of the naturalization process in American life.

Current Trends and What They Mean for Applicants

• In 2024, 818,500 people became U.S. citizens, a slight drop from the previous year but still higher than before the pandemic.
• Most new citizens come from Mexico, India, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and Vietnam.
• The majority live in California, Florida, New York, Texas, and New Jersey.
• Women make up more than half of new citizens, and the average age is 42.

These trends show that naturalization remains a popular choice, especially as the government works to make the process faster and easier. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the Biden administration’s focus on reducing delays has helped more people become citizens, though some backlogs remain.

Decision-Making Framework: Which Path Is Right for You?

To decide between staying a permanent resident or applying for naturalization, consider these questions:

1. How long do you plan to stay in the United States 🇺🇸?
   • If you see your future here, naturalization may be the best choice.
2. Do you want to vote or hold a U.S. passport?
   • Only citizens can do these things.
3. Are you worried about deportation or losing your status?
   • Citizenship offers more security.
4. Do you want to sponsor more family members?
   • Citizens have more options.
5. Are you ready for the English and civics tests?
   • If not, you may want to wait or seek help.
6. Does your home country allow dual citizenship?
   • If not, you may need to choose between countries.

Recommendations for Specific Circumstances

• For Families: If you want to bring parents, siblings, or adult children to the United States 🇺🇸, naturalization gives you more options.
• For Frequent Travelers: If you travel often, citizenship protects you from losing your status and gives you access to a U.S. passport.
• For Older Adults: Some older applicants may qualify for exemptions from the English test. Check the USCIS guidelines for details.
• For Those with Limited English: Consider taking classes or seeking community help before applying for naturalization.

Practical Steps and Resources

If you decide to apply for naturalization, follow these steps:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Review the requirements on the USCIS website.
2. Prepare Your Application: Complete Form N-400 and gather your documents.
3. Submit and Pay Fees: File your application and pay the fee. Ask about fee waivers if you have a low income.
4. Attend Appointments: Go to your biometrics appointment and interview.
5. Study for the Tests: Use free resources from USCIS to prepare for the English and civics tests.
6. Attend Your Ceremony: Take the Oath of Allegiance at a ceremony like the one at Sauder Village.

For more help, contact the USCIS Contact Center or trusted organizations like the American Immigration Council.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice

Choosing between permanent residency and naturalization is a personal decision with lasting effects. Naturalization offers more rights, security, and opportunities, as seen in the joyful faces at the Sauder Village ceremony. However, it also comes with new responsibilities and, for some, the need to give up citizenship in their home country.

Take time to weigh your options, consider your goals, and use official resources to guide your decision. Whether you choose to remain a permanent resident or become one of the new U.S. citizens, understanding the process will help you move forward with confidence.

Learn Today

Naturalization → The legal process for a permanent resident to become a U.S. citizen with full rights.
Permanent Resident → An individual authorized to live and work indefinitely in the U.S. but without citizenship rights.
Oath of Allegiance → A sworn promise by naturalization applicants to support and defend the U.S. Constitution.
Form N-400 → The official USCIS application form used to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency managing citizenship and immigration processes.

This Article in a Nutshell

The journey from permanent resident to U.S. citizen involves eligibility, application, and ceremonies like Sauder Village’s, unlocking voting rights and protection. Naturalization offers security, broader family sponsorship, and a U.S. passport, but requires English and civics tests. Choosing the right path depends on personal goals and readiness.
— By VisaVerge.com