If an individual is not born within the geographic territory of the 50 states of United States of America, or any of its territories such as Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa or the U.S. Virgin Islands, then s/he must go through the process of naturalization unless they meet one of few exceptions. Naturalization results in tremendous benefits for the individual. A US citizen can travel freely in and out of the United States without restrictions. S/he can sponsor immediate relatives, especially spouses more quickly, vote in local and national elections, become a candidate for elected office, receive full social security benefits while outside the United States, derive citizenship for minor children, receive more public benefits for which they are eligible, qualify for certain government jobs, and receive protection from deportation.