Comparing Green Card vs Citizenship: What Are the Differences?

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If you plan to live in the United States, you will need a valid immigration status. The two most common options are obtaining a green card or becoming a U.S. citizen. While both allow you to stay in the country legally, there are some significant differences between the two. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between green card holders and citizens, including eligibility requirements, rights and benefits, responsibilities and obligations, and the path to citizenship.

Key takeaways


  • Understanding Green Cards and Citizenship: A green card allows immigrants to live and work permanently in the United States, but comes with certain limitations, such as inability to vote in federal elections or serve on a jury. On the other hand, citizenship grants all rights and privileges including voting, holding public office, and getting a U.S passport. It is, however, a more complex and longer process to attain compared to obtaining a green card.
  • Eligibility Requirements: Green cards can be obtained through family sponsorship, employment, or refugee status. To obtain citizenship, individuals must have held a green card for at least five years (or three if married to a U.S citizen), be able to communicate in English, pass a civics test, and exhibit good moral character. Exceptions exist for certain individuals such as those with disabilities or those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
  • Rights and Benefits: Green card holders can work and live in the U.S, apply for social security benefits, and purchase property but can't vote in elections or apply for federal financial aid for education. Citizens, however, enjoy all rights and benefits of green card holders with additional privileges such as voting, applying for federal financial aid for education, and immunity to deportation except under very specific circumstances.
  • Responsibilities, Obligations, and Path to Citizenship: Both green card holders and citizens are obligated to pay taxes and obey all laws. Green card holders must renew their status every 10 years, whereas citizens have a duty to serve on a jury if called upon and to defend the country if necessary. Green card holders can transition to citizenship through a process called naturalization, which involves an application, interview, and passing a U.S. civics and English test. The process can take several months or even years.


What is Citizenship?

Citizenship is the highest status an immigrant can attain in the United States. As a citizen, you have all the rights and privileges that come with being an American, including the right to vote and hold public office. You will also be able to travel freely outside the country and apply for a U.S passport.

There are several ways to become a U.S citizen, including through birth, naturalization, or acquisition of citizenship through parents. Naturalization is the most common way for immigrants to become citizens. To be eligible for naturalization, you must have had a green card for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a U.S citizen), be able to speak, read, and write English, pass a civics test, and meet other requirements.

Once you become a U.S citizen, you can enjoy all the rights and benefits that come with it. You can vote in federal elections, serve on a jury, and hold public office. You can also apply for government benefits and travel freely outside the country without any restrictions.

In conclusion, green cards and citizenship are both important legal statuses for immigrants in the United States. While green card holders have certain limitations, they still have the right to live and work in the country permanently. Citizenship offers more rights and benefits, but also requires a longer process to obtain. Whatever your status may be, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities as an immigrant in the United States.

Eligibility Requirements

Green Card Eligibility

There are several ways to become eligible for a green card. The most common ways are through family sponsorship, employment, or refugee status. Family sponsorship is when a family member who is already a U.S. citizen or green card holder sponsors you. Employment-based green cards are available to those who have a job offer from a U.S. employer or who have extraordinary abilities in their field. Refugee status is granted to those who have fled their home country due to persecution or fear of persecution.

If you are seeking a green card, you will also need to undergo a thorough background check. This includes providing biometric information, such as fingerprints, and undergoing an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. Additionally, you will need to prove that you are not likely to become a public charge, meaning someone who is mainly dependent on government assistance. This is typically done by demonstrating that you have a steady income or a job offer in the U.S.

Citizenship Eligibility

To become a U.S. citizen, you must have been a green card holder for at least five years (or three years if you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen). In addition to meeting the residency requirement, you must also demonstrate good moral character. This means that you have not committed any crimes and have not engaged in behavior that goes against U.S. values, such as fraud or deceit.

You must also have a basic understanding of the English language and U.S. history and government. This is typically demonstrated through a written test and an interview with a USCIS officer. The English language requirement ensures that you can communicate effectively in everyday situations, while the knowledge of U.S. history and government ensures that you understand the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.

It is important to note that there are exceptions to these requirements for certain individuals, such as those with disabilities or those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. If you have any questions about your eligibility for a green card or citizenship, it is recommended that you consult with an immigration attorney or a USCIS representative.

Rights and Benefits

Rights and Benefits of Green Card Holders

As a green card holder, you have the right to work and live in the United States without fear of deportation. You can also apply for social security benefits, purchase property, and attend public schools. However, you cannot vote in elections or apply for federal financial aid for education.

Rights and Benefits of Citizens

Citizens have all the rights of green card holders, but with some added benefits. You can vote in elections and have a say in how the government is run. You can also apply for federal financial aid for education, and you cannot be deported or lose your citizenship status except under very specific circumstances.

Responsibilities and Obligations

Responsibilities of Green Card Holders

Green card holders are required to pay taxes, obey all laws, and register for selective service if you are a male between ages 18 and 26. You must also renew your green card every 10 years or risk losing your status.

Responsibilities of Citizens

Citizens have all the responsibilities of green card holders, but also have a duty to serve on a jury if called upon, and to defend the country if necessary as a member of the armed forces. Citizens must also report foreign assets and pay taxes on worldwide income

The Path to Citizenship

From Green Card Holder to Citizen

If you want to become a citizen, you will need to undergo the naturalization process. This includes submitting an application, attending an interview, and passing a U.S. civics and English test. You will also need to take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

Naturalization Process

The naturalization process can take several months, or sometimes years, to complete. You will need to provide extensive documentation of your background, and you will be subject to a thorough background check. If you are approved, you will attend a naturalization ceremony and become a full-fledged citizen of the United States.

What We Learned

Overall, the decision to obtain a green card or become a citizen depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you want to live and work in the United States permanently, a green card may be sufficient. If you want to fully participate in the political process and enjoy all the rights and benefits of being an American, citizenship may be the better option. Consider your options and consult with an immigration attorney to determine the best path for you.

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