The Difference Between a Green Card and Citizenship

Do you know the Difference Between a Green Card and Citizenship? According to U. S. law, permanent residents and U.S. citizens enjoy many of the same rights, such as the right to live permanently and work in the United States, but U.S. citizens have other benefits that green card holders do not.

Getting a residency status legally is important because means that you are not a tourist anymore, gives you permission to live in the U. S. for a certain period of time, and makes it easier for you the right to stay indefinitely.

However, in law terms permanent residents, remain citizens of their originating country, not holding a US passport or voting rights. If you spend a year outside the U. S. solving a problem, for example, you can also place yourself in removal proceedings, running the risk of being deported.

According to USCIS and American law, permanent residents have some benefits over tourists and immigrants, check now:

• They can bring in their immediate family members (spouse and minor children) to reside with them;
• They can leave/enter the US without the risk of being denied by immigration officials;
• They have the right to apply for government-sponsored financial aid for educational purposes;
• They have access to security clearances and exemptions from export restrictions;
• They are eligible to receive Social Security benefits, supplemental security income, and Medicare benefits.

What’s the Difference Between a Green Card and Citizenship?

When you become US citizens by birth in the United States, through US citizen parents, or through a process known as naturalization you are considered by law a U. S. citizen.

On the other hand, naturalization is a process applicable to those who were born in a foreign country and immigrated to the US. They can apply for citizenship after acquiring permanent resident status. If approved by USCIS, they become naturalized citizens.

Check now the differences:

• You get the right to vote.
• You can run for a seat in public office.
• You become eligible for federal employee benefits.
• You benefit from US tax law.
• You will not be subjected to deportation.
• You can have your family members join you in the US.
• You can sponsor your family members to obtain their Green Cards.

Permanent residents, after about 5 years, may be eligible to apply for U. S. Citizenship.

If you have a Green Card, check if you qualify for US Citizenship. You would be eligible for US Citizenship if:

• You have continuously lived in the US for at least five years since getting your Green Card;
• You have lived in the US for at least 30 months out of those five years.
• You are at least 18 years old;
• You have continuously lived in the US from when you file Form N-400 to when you become a US citizen;
• You can read, write, and speak basic English;
• You can pass a test of basic US history and government questions;

You have a good moral character that reflects the values of the US Constitution;

The USCIS looks at your naturalization application and also whether you have a criminal record to decide if you have good moral character.

Now you already know that “permanent resident” and “U.S. citizen” conditions confer rights to live legally in the United States, but they mean very different things, as described above.

There are important differences in lawful permanent residents’ rights.

If you leave the United States with the intention of making your home elsewhere, you will be considered to have abandoned your residence and given up your Green Card.

Another difference between lawful permanent residents is that they are subject to deportation risk. If you commit crimes or security violations or even fail to advise USCIS of your changes of address, you can be placed in removal proceedings and deported from the United States.

U.S. citizens cannot be deported from the United States; unless that is, they committed fraud to obtain their Green Card or citizenship.

Wizard Visa can help Green Card holders through the process of applying for U.S. citizenship. We have a large experience in immigration services to prepare you for the process and help guide you along the way.

So, now it depends on you, take advantage of our experience, and let our team help you make your dream come true! Contact Us! We will help you plan for your future.

To learn more about immigration services read our blog, contact us to get more information. Wizard Visa offers the best service to help you become a US citizen!