Citizenship offers more than a piece of paper

About a week ago our publications, the Imperial Valley Press and Adelante Valle, published an article detailing the rise in naturalization applications since Donald Trump took the highest office in the country.

Mainly out of fear, permanent residents living in the USA have flocked to get their citizenship.

While we believe that is a good goal that benefits the country, our economy and our community, we believe the main goal shouldn’t just be naturalization only.

Citizenship is not about protection from the threat of being deported, but the active participation in our community and country.

That means jury duty, hold certain government jobs and vote — one of the most important parts of being a US citizen.

Voting is among the things that make this country the greatest in the world. And if for whatever reason, you don’t feel you are being represented correctly, then you now have the power to vote and run for public office to represent those that share the same values as you do.

There are other benefits, such as traveling abroad for a long period of time, benefits of US tax laws and retirement, be eligible for various programs and scholarships and obviously the protection of the law. Citizenship also allows you to sponsor other family members looking to gain their citizenship as well.

Citizenship is not just a piece of paper, it’s an inclusion into the democratic process that founded this country and further empowerment for the citizens that have shaped it over the years.

Citizenship allows you to stand up for the issues that you believe in, be involved in local, state and national elections, have a voice that cannot be ushered by anyone, including the government.

We encourage immigrants that want to make the United States of America their permanent home to seriously consider starting their path to citizenship now. The sooner you begin, the sooner you can enjoy all of the privileges afforded to citizens of this great country.