Difference Between Green Card and Citizenship (Explained)

The United States welcomes a significant number of immigrants each year, providing opportunities for individuals to establish residency and pursue a better life.

Two common paths towards this goal are obtaining a green card and acquiring citizenship. While both options offer benefits and rights, there are important distinctions between them.

A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, grants individuals permanent residency in the United States.

It is typically obtained through a visa program and allows holders to live and work in the country indefinitely.

Citizenship, on the other hand, offers additional privileges, such as the right to vote in elections and the ability to sponsor family members for residency.

In this article, we will explore the difference between a green card and citizenship, examining the rights, benefits, and processes associated with each.

By understanding these distinctions, individuals can make informed decisions about their immigration status and long-term goals.

Key Takeaways:

• A green card provides permanent residency, while citizenship offers additional rights and benefits.
• Green card holders cannot vote in U.S. elections, while citizens have the privilege to participate in the political process.
• Green card holders may face deportation if they commit serious legal offenses or engage in unauthorized voting.
• Travel restrictions and limitations on extended absences apply to green card holders, while U.S. citizens have more flexibility in this regard.
• The choice between a green card and citizenship depends on individual circumstances and long-term goals.

What is a Green Card?

A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, signifies that the holder is a permanent resident of the United States. Green card holders are not naturalized U.S. citizens or U.S. citizens by birth.

They typically immigrated to the U.S. through a visa program and have lived in the country for a varying period of time.

There are different ways to obtain a green card, including family and employer sponsorships, as well as diversity visa lotteries. Some individuals may also seek asylum in the U.S. to obtain a green card.

Being a green card holder comes with certain benefits, such as the ability to live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis.

Green card holders have the freedom to choose their place of residence and pursue employment opportunities without the need for additional visas or work authorizations.

They also have the right to apply for Social Security benefits and Medicare, as well as the option to travel outside the U.S. and return without a visa.

It’s important to note that green card holders do not have the right to vote in U.S. elections and may have limited access to certain government benefits.

Additionally, green card holders may face deportation if they commit serious legal offenses or engage in unauthorized voting.

While a green card provides legal permanent residency, it does not grant the same rights and privileges as U.S. citizenship.

Table: Comparison of Green Card and U.S. Citizenship

Obtaining Citizenship

There are various paths to obtaining U.S. citizenship, with the most common being naturalization. Naturalization is the process by which an individual who is already a lawful permanent resident can become a U.S. citizen.

To be eligible for naturalization, applicants must meet certain requirements set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

One of the key requirements for naturalization is demonstrating proficiency in English.

Applicants must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. They are also required to have a good understanding of U.S. history and government, as well as exhibit good moral character.

Additionally, applicants must have been a permanent resident for at least five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.

While naturalization is the most common path to citizenship, there are other ways to acquire U.S. citizenship as well. For example, individuals born on U.S. soil are automatically granted citizenship, known as birthright citizenship.

Children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents may also acquire citizenship through their parent’s citizenship.

Another route to citizenship is through military service. Non-U.S. citizens who serve in the U.S. military can apply for naturalization based on their service.

The military’s Naturalization at Basic Training initiative allows eligible service members to take the Oath of Allegiance and become naturalized U.S. citizens during basic training.

Overall, the path to U.S. citizenship involves meeting various eligibility requirements, including language proficiency, knowledge of U.S. history and government, and good moral character.

Whether through naturalization, birthright citizenship, or military service, becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone for immigrants seeking to fully integrate into American society.

Voting Rights and Deportation Risks

One of the key differences between green card holders and U.S. citizens is the right to vote in elections.

While citizens have the privilege and responsibility to participate in the political process, green card holders do not have the right to vote.

Therefore, green card holders are unable to directly influence the democratic decisions that shape their adopted country.

This distinction underscores the importance of citizenship for those seeking to actively engage in the civic life of the United States.

Additionally, green card holders face the risk of deportation if they commit serious criminal offenses or engage in unauthorized voting.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may initiate removal proceedings against green card holders who are convicted of certain crimes or engage in activities deemed detrimental to national security.

It is crucial for green card holders to adhere to the laws and regulations of the United States to avoid jeopardizing their status.

It is worth noting that while deportation risks exist for green card holders, the revocation of citizenship is a rare occurrence. U.S. citizenship can be revoked in cases of significant misrepresentations or fraud during the immigration process.

However, such cases are infrequent and involve substantial evidence of intentional deception. The vast majority of U.S. citizens maintain their citizenship status throughout their lives without facing the threat of revocation.

It is always important for green card holders to consult with immigration attorneys or seek professional advice to ensure they understand and comply with the laws and regulations governing their status.

By remaining law-abiding residents and pursuing a path towards U.S. citizenship, individuals can enjoy the benefits and protections that come with full membership in the American society.

Travel Restrictions and Mobility

One important aspect to consider when comparing green card holders and U.S. citizens is the difference in travel restrictions and mobility.

Green card holders may face certain limitations on travel, especially if they plan to spend an extended period outside the United States.

While they are allowed to travel abroad, spending too much time outside the country can impact their permanent residency status.

In contrast, U.S. citizens have more freedom when it comes to travel and living abroad. They can travel internationally without worrying about potential disruptions to their citizenship status.

This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals who have family or business interests overseas or who simply desire the ability to explore different countries and cultures.

U.S. citizens also enjoy additional travel benefits, such as the ability to petition for family members to migrate to the United States.

This can make it easier for families to reunite and live together in the U.S. without the same level of restrictions that green card holders may experience.

Overall, while green card holders have the opportunity to travel outside the United States, they do face limitations and considerations regarding their permanent residency status. U.S. citizens, on the other hand, have greater travel freedoms and the ability to enjoy the benefits of extended travel and living abroad.

Obtaining a Green Card Before Moving to the U.S.

For individuals who aspire to move to the United States, obtaining a green card before their arrival can provide them with a more secure and permanent status.

There are various ways to obtain a green card, including sponsorship by employers or family members.

Employer sponsorship is typically suitable for foreign nationals with diverse skills that meet the requirements of a specific job or industry. It allows individuals to work and live in the U.S. on a permanent basis.

The process usually involves an employer filing an immigrant visa petition on behalf of the individual, proving that there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the job.

This pathway offers an opportunity for skilled professionals to establish themselves in the U.S.

On the other hand, family sponsorship is an option for individuals who have close relatives who are already U.S. citizens or green card holders.

Immediate family members, such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under the age of 21, can sponsor their loved ones for a green card.

This pathway provides a way for families to reunite and start a new life in the United States.

Benefits of Obtaining a Green Card Before Moving

“Obtaining a green card before moving to the U.S. offers several advantages. It provides individuals with a more secure immigration status, allowing them to live and work in the country permanently. It eliminates the need for temporary work visas and the associated limitations. Additionally, it opens up opportunities for various government benefits and paves the way for eligibility for U.S. citizenship in the future.”

Overall, obtaining a green card before moving to the U.S. can be an advantageous choice for individuals who wish to establish long-term residency in the country.

Whether through employer sponsorship or family ties, this pathway offers stability, potential career growth, and the ability to enjoy the benefits of permanent residency.

Rights and Benefits of Green Card Holders and Citizens

Green card holders and U.S. citizens enjoy certain rights and benefits, although there are notable differences between the two statuses. Here’s a breakdown of the rights and benefits associated with each:

Rights of Green Card Holders:

• Permanent Residency: Green card holders have the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. They can pursue education, start businesses, and enjoy the freedoms of life in the U.S.
• Government Benefits: Green card holders may be eligible for some government benefits, such as social security, Medicare, and limited public assistance. However, certain benefits may have restrictions or require a waiting period.
• Job Opportunities: Green card holders have access to a wide range of job opportunities in the United States. They can work for any employer and pursue their desired career paths, with the exception of jobs that require U.S. citizenship or security clearances.

Benefits of U.S. Citizenship:

• Voting Rights: U.S. citizens have the right to vote in federal, state, and local elections. This allows them to actively participate in shaping the government and decision-making processes.
• Full Access to Government Benefits: Citizens have broader access to government benefits, including social security, Medicaid, and welfare programs without restrictions or waiting periods.
• Job Opportunities: U.S. citizens have access to all job opportunities in the United States, including government positions and jobs that require U.S. citizenship or security clearances.

While green card holders have certain rights and benefits as permanent residents, U.S. citizenship offers additional privileges, particularly in terms of voting rights, government benefits, and job opportunities.

The decision between obtaining a green card or pursuing citizenship depends on individual circumstances, long-term goals, and the importance placed on these specific rights and benefits.