> I just became a US citizen after living in the country for 23 years. Why? For ...

ececconi · on Dec 8, 2014

Read the fine print. You don't have any real rights to your permanent residency. The USA can decide not to renew it for any reason they deem fit.

Also, laws may change in the future that further restrict the entitlements permanent residents have. Permanent residents can be deported. I've been subject to extra screening in customs.

There's a lot of reasons to be a US citizen if you're planning on staying in this country for life.

mhurron · on Dec 8, 2014

So it boils down to they treat a foreigner like a foreigner which was clearly spelled out from the beginning.

I've changed countries once, at this point it wouldn't really be assumed I'm planning on staying anywhere for life.

geoka9 · on Dec 8, 2014

It can be as simple as freedom to travel without visas (depending on the country of origin).