Green Card vs. Citizenship: Unique Differences You Need To Know

Published May 9, 2024

The United States is very welcoming to immigrants. It accepts more than nearly any country globally by a large margin. Every year, the government grants over 140,00 green cards and welcomes over 800,000 new citizens.

And if the United States is a country you want to move into for good, you must be aware of your options for the route to take. In this article, we’ll discuss green card vs citizenship. Both offer the privilege of living permanently, with critical benefits you must know. Let’s start.

What Is a Green Card?

A green card is also acknowledged as a permanent resident card. Holders are permanent residents of the USA. They are neither naturalized nor born U.S. citizens. Green card holders immigrate to the United States under some type of visa program. They, moreover, generally have lived in the U.S. for anywhere from 90 days to a decade.

Yet, there are many options for acquiring a green card that may fasten or slow down this process. For example, entering a genuine marriage to a U.S. citizen will likely move things faster. It is compared to acquiring a skilled worker’s temporary visa and switching to green card status through a job offer. These are under family sponsorships and employee sponsorships.

You can also enter green card lotteries to get a chance at permanent residency. It is under the U.S.’s diversity visa program. Moreover, foreign nations may also choose to seek asylum. Asylum is reserved for those fearing freedom and safety in their home country. It is due to persecution they may face by their home country’s government and because of their political belief, social group, religion, or race.

Citizenship Defined

There are numerous paths to citizenship in the United States. Each of them presents its challenges and benefits. With few expectations, foreign nations will start with a green card before obtaining citizenship. Most routes will demand a permanent residency first.

A person can attain U.S. citizenship through naturalization, military service, birth in the U.S., and sometimes even birth abroad if their parent is a U.S. citizen and meets distinct requirements. A permanent resident must meet specific requirements to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. These are comprehending, speaking, and writing basic English. Also, developing a basic understanding of U.S. history and civics.

Lawful permanent residents who obtain their status through marriage to a U.S. citizen usually have the fastest means toward building eligibility to naturalize as a U.S. citizen. In such cases, though, the process will need validation of their lawful and legitimate marriage.

Green card holders may also choose to serve in defined branches of the U.S. military. Certain qualifying foreign nationals may be eligible for U.S. citizenship under their signing up for service. This involves a significant commitment.

Critical Differences Between Green Cards and Citizenship

1. You can’t vote with a green card.

Lawful permanent residents residing in America on green cards cannot vote in local, state, or federal elections. This is the case even though they have the right to live permanently in the country.

Green card holders may also be voided from participating in certain branches of government that demand citizenship. Yet, they can typically serve in the armed forces in most circumstances.

2. Green card holders hold deportation risks.

If a U.S. citizen commits a crime, espionage, or other serious offense, they do not face the risk of being deported. In contrast, a green card holder may face the prospect of removal proceedings and even deportation. These violations can also involve noncriminal acts, such as unauthorized voting.

3. Green card holders must limit travel.

Green card holders may travel outside the United States. Yet, prolonged trips may harm their status as permanent residents and their eligibility for citizenship. This may not be a massive concern for most residents, but it is something to be well aware of. It is especially if you desire to visit family in another country or leave the U.S. for any other reason for an extended time.

Conversely, U.S. citizenship won’t bother with these limitations. Moreover, it renders more options for extended travel outside the U.S. or living abroad. Citizens generally have better options for petitioning certain qualifying family members who may opt to migrate to the U.S.

4. You can acquire a green card before moving here.

You do not need a tourist visa or anything else to secure your green card. You don’t even have to be in the U.S. Under the right circumstances and qualifications, you can petition for your permanent visa immediately if you have an employee or family sponsorship.

Without family in the U.S., an employee sponsorship is usually your only alternative choice.

5. U.S. Passport

Only US citizens are qualified for a US passport. They are granted entry into multiple countries without a visa. In contrast, a green card holder must obtain citizenship before getting a US passport.

Moreover, since the United States grants dual citizenship, citizens can own passports from the U.S. and their home country. If you are a permanent resident, you must present your passport from your home country and your permanent resident card when traveling.

6. Dependents

Only citizens can obtain citizenship for their children overseas and petition for family members to obtain Green Cards. In contrast, a green card holder can obtain permanent residence cards for their dependents based on their relationship.

What Are the Similarities Between Us Green Card and U.S. Citizenship?

Green card holders and citizenships are similar in terms of them being required to:

• File both state and federal income tax returns
• Register with the Selective Service as a man between the ages of 18 to 25

Both a green card holder and a U.S. citizen can do the following.

• Travel outside the United States. Green card holders can travel abroad for at least a year, and traveling longer can impact their status.
• Apply for a driver’s license.
• Receive social security benefits, medicare benefits, or supplemental security income.
• Serve in the U.S. military.
• Apply to bring your spouses and unmarried children to reside in the country.
• Study at the country’s public schools and colleges
• Open bank accounts
• Obtain a social security number
• Qualify for federal benefits

Who Is Eligible for the US Green Card?

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens
• Individuals with specific job offers in the U.S.
• Refugees and asylees
• Diversity visa lottery
• Special Immigrants
• Victims of human trafficking and crime
• Specific categories of abused spouses or children
• Special programs

Who Is Eligible for the U.S. Citizenship?

• Individuals born in the United States or its territories
• Specific individuals born abroad to U.S. citizen parents
• Eligible immigrants who have been lawful permanent residents
• Adoption by U.S. citizens
• Certain military personnel
• Spouses of U.S. citizens