The United States welcomes immigrants more frequently than almost any other nation in the world. According to US Citizenship and Immigration Service, over 140,000 new green cards are granted and over 800,000 new citizens are welcomed annually in the United States.
There are a number of alternatives available to you if you’re thinking of relocating to the United States. Let’s compare obtaining a green card with obtaining citizenship to determine which option is best for you.
About U.S.A. Green Card
A U.S. Green Card is officially known as a Permanent Resident Card. It is an immigration document that grants foreign nationals the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States. Basically, a green card holder is a legal immigrant of the USA. This card serves as evidence of their lawful permanent resident status. It allows them to enjoy many of the rights and privileges that U.S. citizens have. Although there are certain limitations.
The Green Card is typically issued to individuals who have been approved for immigrant visas through various pathways, such as :
- Family Sponsorship,
- Employment-Based Immigration,
- Refugee Or Asylum Status, or
- Certain Humanitarian Programs.
It signifies that the holder can live and work in the United States indefinitely as long as they comply with immigration laws and regulations.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Green Card
Having a Green Card offers several benefits. It includes the ability to live, study, and work in the United States without any time restrictions. Green Card holders also have access to certain social benefits, such as healthcare, education, and the opportunity to apply for federal financial aid for higher education. Additionally, they can travel in and out of the United States, although there are specific rules and considerations to keep in mind.
It’s important to note that while a Green Card grants permanent resident status, it is not equivalent to U.S. citizenship. Green Card holders do not possess all the rights and privileges of U.S. citizens. Such as the right to vote in federal elections or hold certain government positions. However, a Green Card is often a stepping stone toward pursuing U.S. citizenship for those who desire to become naturalized citizens in the future.
About the U.S.A. Citizenship
The highest benefit provided by U.S. immigration rules is U.S. citizenship. According to Statista, In 2021, 813,861 people became naturalized citizens in the United States.
It increasing day by day. One can acquire citizenship by:
- birth
- naturalization applications
- through parents who are citizens of the country.
However, many people are unaware of their rights. Many people with green cards jeopardize their chances of becoming citizens of the United States. Because they are unaware of the requirements. The benefits of citizenship are immense in the USA. You just have to correctly submit the citizenship application to jump from green card to citizen.
Benefits of Citizenship
If you are a citizen of the USA, you can gain far better benefits than a green card holder. But you have to face many responsibilities as well. There are many benefits and responsibilities of being a US citizen.
Some of them are –
- Run in a public election for office.
- Vote in elections for municipal, state, and federal offices.
- For your family members who wish to reside in the US, apply for visas. Citizens, as opposed to people with green cards, can request visas for their siblings. Additionally, they don’t need to wait in line for a visa to become available for their immediate family members, such as their spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents.
- Obtain citizenship for foreign-born children.
- You can leave the country with a US passport. If you hold a U.S. passport, many nations won’t require you to obtain a visa in order to enter. Additionally, you can use your passport as identification when requesting protection or aid at any American embassy or consulate while you are abroad. You can obtain assistance at a U.S. embassy or consulate, for instance, if you have a medical emergency, if your passport is lost or stolen, or if you are a victim of crime.
- Apply for specific federal positions; several federal agencies demand U.S. citizens.
- Additionally, as a citizen of the United States, you must respond to calls to duty by serving on a jury or in the military.
Permanent citizenship in the USA can bring much more advantages into your hands. It opens a door of opportunities for you.
Difference Between Green Card Vs Citizenship
There are many differences between a green card holder and a citizen of the USA.
Some of them are –
| U.S. Green Card Holder | U.S. Citizenship | |
|---|---|---|
| Voting | Cannot vote in federal elections | Can vote in all federal and state elections |
| Travel | May face travel restrictions | Can travel freely with a U.S. passport |
| Citizenship | Not a U.S. citizen | Considered a U.S. citizen |
| Deportation | Subject to deportation for certain crimes | Generally cannot be deported |
| Government | Limited access to government benefits | Eligible for most government benefits |
| Passport | Cannot obtain a U.S. passport | Can obtain a U.S. passport |
| Dual Citizenship | May be able to retain citizenship of another country | No restriction on holding dual citizenship |
| Jury Duty | May be exempted or disqualified from jury duty | Can serve on a jury |
| Military Duty | Military duties are limited and restricted | Can serve the Military in every sector |
Lastly
Acquiring green card eligibility is quite hard. But the comfort of citizenship is more than a green card. You can clearly understand that by comparing green card vs. citizenship. It includes many legal steps also. You can hire an immigration attorney to help you with the procedure. Many law firms, like the Law offices of Ruma Junnatul PLLC, are always ready to help immigrants to gain green cards or citizenship in the USA.