Blog #19

50 Benefits of being an American Citizen

Now that I have had the opportunity of living abroad and have spent 24 years in the United States as an American-born citizen, I can definitely say that I have witnessed and experienced many privileges that I now recognize I took for granted in the past. While America is not perfect and far from it, living in another country has truly opened my eyes and I can honestly say that America is the best country in the world, simply for its many advantages that it grants many people such as myself and other Americans alike. Since today is the 4th of July, I want to commemorate this holiday by giving 50 reasons why I think America is great and the benefits that the citizens reap, so let’s get right into it.

1. Free public restrooms (Yes, some countries charge you in public restrooms).

2. Free refills of water or soft drinks at restaurants.

3. The right to vote for any U.S election (state or presidential).

4. The right to work in any state.

5. Beautiful & well-maintained national parks (Ex: Yosemite).

6. Jersey Mikes, duh (personal favorite)!

7. Clean & accessible water.

8. The ability to make 6 or 7 figures at your job or career.

9. The ability to create or continue generational wealth, regardless of your previous background or upbringing (Ex: College kid receives inheritance from late grandparent).

10. The ability to attend prestigious American institutions or Ivy League schools (UCLA, Harvard, Yale, MIT, etc).

11. The ability to start a business.

12. Having written laws & legislations in place that protect others from facing discrimination (Ex: Racism, violence, sexism, workplace, etc).

13. Having the right to sue or take legal action (Ex: See #12).

14. Overall optimistic & friendly society.

15. Having various seasons and weather climates ranging from beaches to mountains to volcanoes.

16. Having a large range of food options that cater to dietary restrictions, allergies and preferences (Ex: Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, peanut-free, etc).

17. Being able to go to one store for various things (Ex: Going to Walmart or Sam’s club for an oil change, groceries and school supplies).

18. Quality customer service.

19. Being able to buy or build your own house from the ground up.

20. Having lots of space.

21. Lower taxes.

22. Cool road trips (Ex: Going to the Grand Canyon).

23. Quality healthcare (Ex: Best cancer research & treatments).

24. The ability to practice any religion or none at all.

25. Having access to multiple churches & finding one from your specific denomination (Ex: Being able to find an Adventist or Catholic church).

26. Having the best military protection.

27. Being able to change your career at any age at any time.

28. Having access to important routine vaccines or travel vaccines if going to at-risk areas.

29. Advanced technology.

30. Advanced medicine.

31. The ability to purchase and own land or property.

32. Yams and Mac & Cheese.

33. The ability to marry an individual of any race or ethnic background (As of June 12th, 1967).

34. Having the best entertainment industry and producing the most global sensational artists & performers (Ex: Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston).

35. Accurate weather forecasts.

36. Accessibility for handicapped individuals (Ex: Ramps, elevators, handicap designed equipment or cars, etc).

37. Best mental healthcare system and services (Ex: Quality psychologists & psychiatrists or services for special needs individuals).

38. Having access to my own bank account as a woman.

39. Having air conditioning or indoor heating at home or anywhere I go during all 4 seasons.

40. Freedom of speech.

41. The right to bear arms (In select states).

42. Best country for upward mobility and safety as women.

43. Historically black colleges or institutions.

44. Best fashion & athletic merchandise.

45. The ability to get your driver’s license relatively easy without time consuming paperwork.

46. Best national disaster relief organizations (Ex: American cross).

47. Having English-speaking services or assistance abroad (As a native English speaker).

48. Being able to consume and comprehend all books and media in English without any trouble understanding.

49. Having accessible education as a woman.

50. Quality building infrastructure.

Now that I have life experience living in another country and have since returned to the U.S, I see the 4th of July differently than I had before. I view this holiday as a symbol of relief as I can thankfully reflect on all of my privileges that living in America and simply being born here has brought me. Like, just being able to wake up in the mornings and turn on the lights by flipping on the switch and it automatically comes on is an underrated blessing. Or having the option of drinking either tap or bottled water without worrying about catching deadly diseases. Like, wow! So many people in so many different countries could only dream about that! Even as a woman, I have the privilege of going to school or working anywhere in any public spaces without worrying if I’m committing a crime simply by existing or being in close proximity to men. What?! There are countless women who don’t have these luxuries and are in those unfortunate predicaments, due to no fault of their own. Can you imagine it? I’m so glad to be in a country where it not only allows but promotes and celebrates women’s education because I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today, nor would I have achieved the accomplishments I have without it.

If you are an American citizen or have lived in America for at least 7 years or more (green card or permanent residence), you will always have a high advantage over others who live in different countries whether you like it or not. This is especially true if you are a woman or a minority (bonus if you’re both) who resides in the States. While every country including the U.S has its challenges and downsides, it is naive to assume that other countries have it better. Countless of immigrants and ancestors (grandparents or beyond) have worked hard (and died) and sacrificed so much so that they could receive the benefits in which Americans have today, so we shouldn’t ever take them for granted and learn to count our blessings. I certainly will. In fact, ever since I returned to America after a year of living abroad, I thank God almost every day that I live in America as a citizen and that I know better than I did before. Lastly, I want to take this day to acknowledge not only American-born citizens, but neutralized citizens. Immigrants who have put in their blood, sweat and tears just so they can eventually receive and reap the benefits of their labor won’t go unrecognized. Your efforts are not in vain and if you have finally been granted American citizenship, then I congratulate you because you have made it to the finish line. You’ve made it! Now go on and grab a burger or steak to celebrate because this day is also for you! Woohoo!