What is the Difference Between a Holding a Green Card and Gaining U.S. Citizenship?

 Posted on July 21, 2020 in Immigration

If you are seeking to stay in the U.S., but are not a full-fledged citizen, there are a few ways for you to do so. You have likely heard the term “Green Card”, but may not know what it is and how it can help you in your position. Your eyes may be focused on immigrating to the U.S. by any means possible, but you should be fully informed about your options and what rights each one gives you. This is especially important for those with children or those intending on starting a family in America. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offers two means by which those who were not born in the U.S. can legally reside and work here: obtaining a Green Card or becoming a U.S. citizen. Based on your background and priorities, you may prefer one option over the other.

Green Card Holders

If you are looking to reside in the U.S. permanently but wish to remain a citizen of your home country, you should apply for a Green Card. This allows you to live and work in the United States as long as you would like to, granting you permanent resident status. You can also petition for immediate family members to be granted a Green Card. Because Green Card holders maintain their citizenship with their home country, there are a number of rights that they are not entitled to. For instance, they are unable to hold a U.S. passport or vote in any U.S. elections. They also have restrictions on how long they can stay outside of the U.S. before losing their Green Card status. If they spend more than six months abroad, they risk losing their status. They should request a permit to leave the United States for over a year if they wish to keep their permanent resident status. Green Card holders are able to apply for full-fledged citizenship after having their Green Card for 5 years.

U.S. Citizens

Becoming a U.S. citizen grants you additional rights that permanent residents do not have. Not only are you allowed to legally reside and work in the United States, but you are also eligible to receive federal assistance. You are granted the right to vote, hold a U.S. passport, have a government job, and serve on juries. United States citizens are able to travel visa-free through a number of countries and can enter or leave the U.S. at any time. As a student, U.S. citizens are also eligible for federal and state government grants, benefits, and scholarships that are reserved for citizens. Anyone born in the United States is considered a U.S. citizen as well as those who were born to U.S. citizen parents. Those who do not fall under these categories can apply to become a U.S. citizen in a process known as naturalization.

Speak with a Lombard Immigration Attorney

Obtaining a Green Card or U.S. citizenship can alter you and your family’s future in every way possible. It may seem intimidating to begin this legal process, but with the help of an experienced lawyer, all requirements, details, and forms will be completed with their professional expertise. If you are unsure about which form of residency you qualify for or how to begin the application process, the experienced legal team at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices are well prepared to take on your case. Our compassionate attorneys understand the complexities behind U.S. immigration and we are here to help you achieve your dreams. For more information about the immigration process, contact our DuPage County immigration lawyers at 630-932-9100 to schedule your free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.usimmigration.org/faq/what-is-the-difference-between-a-green-card-and-u-s-citizenship