It is the desire of millions across the globe to become citizens of the Land of Opportunities – The United States of America. There are various through which citizens of other countries can do this and the most common and probably the one that attracts the masses is through the Green Card Lottery.
Every year, the US Immigration department allows people to make applications which will then be taken through very tough scrutiny to determine who will be given citizenship and who will be denied the opportunity. Since just a limited number of slots is ever available, and millions of people around scamper for them, being considered and getting the Green Card is usually a huge achievement for many people.
It is never easy, but getting it will make a whole lot of a difference due to the various benefits it comes with. Here is a brief look at some of the benefits and why so many people dream of being successful with their applications-:
Sponsor your immediate relatives to the United States
Who wouldn’t want their wife and kids to join them in the United States? With the green card lottery program, successful applicants now have a chance to sponsor their immediate family members to the United States. But don’t think that getting the green card will now be a free path for every member of your immediate family. According to the US Immigration department, only a parent, spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21 qualify as immediate family members. For extended family members, you can’t sponsor them directly under this provision, but you can use the Preferred Family category to help them come to the United States.
Get a quality education for less
It is a fact that the United States has some of the best universities in the world and the programs they offer are some of the best in the world. It is because of this reason that we see so many people apply for scholarships to the United States and scamper towards any opportunity that can allow them the pleasure of attending some of the top learning institutions in the world. With the Green Card Lottery program, successful applicants now have a chance to get a quality education for less, and in most cases, at lower rates than what they would have spent to get similar quality of education in other countries or in their home countries.
The reason for this is because most of the vocational schools, colleges, and universities in the United States consider Green Card holders as in-state residents who will be charged slightly lower fees considered to out-of-state or international students who might sometimes pay up to 50% more than the in-state students. This means that if you were to go the United States as an international student on further studies, you will pay more than someone from the same country as yours, but who in the country courtesy of the Green Card.
Take part in the country’s politics
America is considered as the father of democracy in the world, and so many countries have adopted their systems of governance for their own. It is natural and an appropriate thing to get concerned with the politics of the place or country you live in, and with the Green Card, you may take part in the local politics in certain ways. Though only natural born citizens are allowed to cast votes for the various electoral posts, as an immigrant, you can contribute to the local politics in any other way, including channeling contributions to your preferred candidate or political party. This is one way of having your voice heard and taking part in the governance process which will always affect you in a number of ways.
Easily get in and out of the country without hassle-free
With the recent changes in the immigration laws and the terror threats the United States keep receiving on a daily basis, getting in and out of the country is extremely difficult unless you are a citizen. But things get a little bit easier for Green Card holders who in a way are now considered as citizens of the United States.
Green Card holders are permanent residents of the United States and so they will not be treated like foreign students or holders of temporary visa. This is perhaps one of the greatest attractions of the Green Card lottery since millions of people from all countries and from all walks of life desire to have the ability to get in and out the country as they wish. There are so many benefits that come with this privilege.
You qualify for social security benefits
The social security system in first world countries like Canada and the United States is very good, and this brings a lot of confidence to the elderly in the society because they know that their welfare will be well taken care of. It is pleasing to note that Green Card holders also qualify for such benefits mainly because they are considered as permanent residents of the United States.
For example, if you are a Green Card holder and you have lived and worked in the country for a period of ten years, you are eligible to claim your retirement benefits, and any other benefit that natural US citizen is entitled to. Canada also has almost a similar system, and this is one of the reasons why those who miss out on the Green Card are normally interested in how to get to Canada, even if it is through Canada eta. You can found out more about getting Canada visa here.
Better career prospects
There are a plethora of career opportunities available to Green Card holders compared to non-foreign immigrants, and this is without a doubt one of the greatest allures into the countries. There are so many opportunities available in the United States, and accessing them can be a bit of a problem if you are not a citizen. Just like most countries in the world, the United States wants their own to get best, and so you could become a beneficiary by becoming one of their own, and this is possible by winning the Green Card Lottery.
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