21 Feb
Regarding living and working in the United States, two major legal statuses often come into discussion: Green Card (Permanent Residency) and US Citizenship. While both provide legal rights and protections, they have key differences in terms of benefits, responsibilities, and limitations. In this article, we will break down the difference between Green Card and Citizenship to help you understand their significance.
On this Page
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is issued by the US government to allow foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the country.
What is US Citizenship?
US Citizenship is the highest legal status a person can obtain in the country. Citizens are either born in the US or acquire citizenship through naturalization (a process Green Card holders can apply for after meeting residency requirements).
Difference between Green Card and Citizenship?
Here’s a tabular comparison between Green Card and US Citizenship.
| Feature | Green Card Holder | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Status | Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) | Full Citizen of the US |
| Right to Live & Work in the US | Yes | Yes |
| Travel Restrictions | Can travel, but long absences (over 1 year) risk losing status | No restrictions on travel duration |
| Voting Rights | No | Yes (Federal, State, and Local Elections) |
| Government Jobs | Limited eligibility | Full eligibility |
| Protection from Deportation | No (Can be deported for crimes, fraud, etc.) | Yes |
| Family Sponsorship | Limited (spouse & unmarried children) | Expanded (spouse, children, parents, siblings) |
| Eligibility for Public Benefits | Limited access | Full access |
| Military Service | Some eligibility | Full eligibility |
| Requirement to Renew | Yes (Every 10 years) | No renewal required |
| No renewal required | Yes (as an LPR) | Depends on the home country’s laws |
| Eligibility for the US | No | Yes |
| Process to Obtain | Through family, employment, refugee/asylum, or Diversity Visa Lottery | Naturalization after 3–5 years as a Green Card holder |
| Need to File Taxes? | Yes | Yes |
| Jury Duty Requirement | No | Yes |
| Oath of Allegiance | No | Required for naturalization |
Benefits of a Green Card
Apart from the above section, let us look into the benefits of a Green Card.
- Legal Residency: Green Card holders can live and work in the US indefinitely.
- Employment Flexibility: They can work for any employer without restrictions.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Green Card holders can apply for naturalization after fulfilling residency requirements.
- Access to Social Benefits: Eligible for Social Security, Medicare (after a certain period), and other government programs.
- Sponsor Family Members: They can sponsor certain relatives for Green Cards.
- Travel Flexibility: They can travel abroad but must ensure they do not stay outside the US for extended periods to maintain their status.
Benefits of US Citizenship
We discussed the benefits a Green Cardholder will get in the previous section. Let’s look into the benefits of US Citizenship.
- Right to Vote: Citizens can vote in all federal, state, and local elections.
- No Risk of Deportation: Citizens cannot be deported, unlike Green Card holders.
- Access to Federal Jobs: Many government jobs and benefits are only available to US citizens.
- Greater Sponsorship Privileges: Citizens can sponsor more family members (including parents and siblings) for Green Cards.
- No Travel Restrictions: Citizens can travel abroad without worrying about re-entry rules or losing their status.
- Eligibility for Public Office: Citizens can run for public office, including Congress (except for the presidency, which requires natural-born citizenship).
How to move from a Green Card to Citizenship?
Many permanent residents eventually choose to apply for US citizenship. Here’s the process:
- Meet Residency Requirements – You must have held a Green Card for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a US citizen).
- Demonstrate Good Moral Character – No serious criminal history.
- Pass the US Naturalization Test – Covers English proficiency and civics knowledge.
- Attend an Interview – USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) officials review your application.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance – The final step to becoming a US citizen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice depends on individual goals and circumstances and understanding the difference between Green Card and Citizenship. A Green Card provides permanent residency with some restrictions, while US Citizenship offers full rights, security, and privileges. If long-term commitment to the US is a goal, obtaining citizenship is often the best option.
FAQs
1. Can a Green Card holder lose their status?
Yes, Green Card holders can lose their status if they commit certain crimes, stay outside the US for too long (typically over a year without a reentry permit), or fail to meet residency requirements. The US citizens cannot be deported unless they obtain citizenship fraudulently.
2. Can a Green Card holder apply for US citizenship?
Yes, Green Card holders can apply for naturalization after 5 years of permanent residency (or 3 years if married to a US citizen) if they meet eligibility requirements, including continuous residence, better moral character, and clearing the citizenship test.
3. Do Green Card holders have the right to vote?
No, Only US. citizens can vote in federal elections. Green Card holders cannot vote in national elections, and voting illegally can lead to deportation. Some states allow non-citizens to vote in local elections, but this is rare.
4. Can a Green Card holder apply for a US passport?
No, Only US. citizens can get a US passport. Green Card holders must use their home country’s passport for international travel and present their Green Card when re-entering the US.
