Citizenship bestows certain special rights, such as voting. If you become a citizen, it may allow your child to automatically naturalize. Also, citizens cannot be deported, except in extremely rare cases of denaturalization. The citizenship process can appear simple, but, unfortunately, there are many pitfalls along the way, and an experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the application process, handle any criminal history or prior immigration law violations, and prepare for the complex interview and test. In general, to apply for citizenship, you must have held LPR status for at least four years and nine months, unless you are married to a U.S. citizen, in which case you may be able to apply after two years and nine months, or if you are in the U.S. armed forces, in which case you may be able to also apply more quickly.