The Process for a US Citizen Born in Puerto Rico to Move to the US Mainland
A person born in Puerto Rico who has US citizenship does not need to immigrate to move to the US mainland. This fact is protected by the US Constitution's 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to anyone born in the territory of the United States, including Puerto Rico. However, the exact process of moving from Puerto Rico to the mainland does involve several steps and considerations. Let's break down the process:
Initial Planning and Logistics
The process begins with purchasing a plane ticket to a city in the US. This is the first step as there is no overland connection between Puerto Rico and the US mainland. Upon arrival, the person may stay at a hotel or rental property until they find a permanent place to live. Once they secure a place, they will need to:
Set up utilities such as electricity, water, and internet. Fulfill local regulations by registering a new legal address with local authorities. Visit the Post Office to file a change-of-address form, either in Puerto Rico or at the new location.Settling In and Establishing Residency
After settling in the new location, the person must have lived there for a certain period before they can fully establish residency and enjoy all the benefits of residing in the US. Once residency is established:
The person will start paying taxes in the state they moved to. The former Puerto Rico residence will no longer be their primary tax home. The person may be eligible to vote in federal elections. They will still not be able to vote in Puerto Rico elections as they have already established a new primary residence.Moving from Puerto Rico with a Moving Company
For those who prefer professional assistance, a moving company can make the transition easier and more organized. Using a moving company can help in efficiently packing, loading, and shipping your belongings to the new location. You will need to:
Book a moving company to handle the logistics of transporting your belongings. Carefully pack all items and ensure the moving company provides proper packing materials and services. Arrange for any necessary documents and list the contents of your move.Final Steps and Verification
Once all documents are in order and utilities are set up, the change-of-address form is filed, and you have established your new residence, everything should be in place. The final steps include:
Shipping or delivering your moved items to your new home. Completing the change-of-address form with the Post Office in both Puerto Rico and the mainland. Initiating voter registration and tax filing in your new state.In summary, a person born in Puerto Rico and a US citizen simply needs to move to the mainland without having to go through the typical immigration process. The main considerations involve purchasing a ticket, settling in a new location, and establishing residency in order to enjoy federal benefits.
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