Summary: Citizenship in the United States grants full legal rights, including a U.S. passport and voting, while a Green Card provides permanent residency without voting rights. Unlike green card holders, citizens cannot usually be deported. Citizens can sponsor more dependents, along with family members, for immigration and enjoy greater security and benefits.
Becoming a US Green Card holder or citizen guarantees that you will enjoy certain rights, including the right to live and work permanently in the United States. A Green Card holder is a permanent resident and only has access to some benefits enjoyed by US citizens.
There can be confusion over the difference between a US Green Card and citizenship. You might wonder: Can a Green Card holder live in the US permanently, just like a US citizen? However, you have the choice of becoming a US citizen after holding a Green Card for the required period of time or the remaining time. Please be aware of the key distinctions between having a Green Card and becoming a US citizen. So that you can decide what to do in the future.
What Is U.S. Citizenship
You become a member of the US society and government when you attain citizenship. Being a citizen of the US gives you unalienable rights. It is equivalent to those of someone who was born there. As a US citizen, you have the freedom to live, work, travel, and leave the US as you please. If you are not a citizen by birth, you need to possess a Green Card for a certain period of time.
What Is a Green Card
A Green Card is also known as permanent residency. It enables you to live and work in the US permanently while maintaining your citizenship and passport from your native country. It can be said that you must first obtain a Green Card to become a citizen. Your ability to dwell permanently in the US is essentially determined by your Green Card status. The status is permanent, but the card normally only lasts for ten years, and you need to renew it.
Key Differences between a U.S. Green Card and Citizenship
US Passport
US citizens are qualified for a US passport. It grants entry without a visa into multiple countries. Conversely, a Green Card holder must obtain citizenship before getting a US passport. Citizens can travel abroad for as long as they wish, but Green Card holders can only stay abroad for up to one year. Legal immigration solutions can help determine the right path toward citizenship.
Deportation
US citizens cannot be deported even after committing certain crimes. On the other hand, a Green Card holder can lose the permit after committing drug trafficking, fraud, rape, or murder. Professional immigration attorneys can evaluate your situation and protect your legal rights.
Dependents
Only citizen parents can obtain citizenship for their children overseas and petition for family members to obtain Green Cards. But a Green Card holder can only obtain permanent residence cards for their dependents based on their relationship. You need to learn the process to apply for a Green Card with experienced legal guidance to avoid delays and improve application accuracy.
Right to Vote
Only US citizens can vote during the state, federal, and local elections. In contrast, Green Card holders are not able to vote because they are considered non-US citizens. US citizens must serve in the military or on a jury when called for duty, but it is not compulsory for Green Card holders.
The application procedure for a Green Card can be a complicated task for many people. On the other hand, acquiring citizenship is more reliable than a Green Card, which is a permanent residence that may be withdrawn in some circumstances. If you need guidance on immigration matters or naturalization, contact us for personalized assistance from our experienced professionals.