Key Differences Between a Green Card and U.S. Citizenship
Many lawful permanent residents are unsure of whether they should seek naturalization and citizenship. They might not think there are any significant differences. After all, a green card gives the holder a right to live in the U.S. indefinitely, travel internationally, and work in the United States. Who needs citizenship?
Below, our immigration lawyer looks at key differences and invites you to reach out to our office if you have questions. We have guided many immigrants through their naturalization journey, and we are eager to help.
4 Differences Between a Green Card and Citizenship
1. Only a Citizen Can Vote
Voting in elections gives a person a feeling of truly being integrated into their community. Furthermore, voting empowers individuals to speak up and demand that their representatives listen to them and pass laws that benefit the public.
Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections. A green card does not give you a say in who should be President, a Senator, or even a member of the House of Representatives. If you try to vote, or vote accidentally, you have committed a crime.
2. Citizens Cannot Be Deported
A green card holder has a right to live and work in the U.S, but you still are at risk of being deported for various reasons, including criminal convictions or violations of the immigration laws. Some lawful permanent residents feel as if they are never quite settled until they become a U.S. citizen.
3. Greater Family Sponsorship
Many immigrants hope to sponsor family members to come live with them in the States. Both lawful permanent residents and citizens can sponsor family members, but citizens have a broader power to bring in more people.
- Green car holders: Can usually sponsor only a spouse or an unmarried child. Wait times can be lengthy due to caps and backlogged requests.
- Citizens: Can sponsor more family members, including married children, parents, and siblings. The process is often much faster when a citizen sponsors family members.
If sponsorship is something you are interested in, then contact our office to discuss whether to become a citizen.
4. Greater Freedom to Travel
Both citizens and LPRs can travel internationally. However, a green card holder who spends a long amount of time outside the U.S. raises questions in the eyes of the government. USCIS might investigate whether you intend to live here permanently.
A citizen can spend as much time out of the U.S. as they want. That might be easier, especially for people who want to visit extended family in a different country. Many U.S. citizens enjoy peace of mind knowing that they will not draw any scrutiny from the government when they take extended stays.
Interested in Citizenship? Contact Our Law Office Today!
The Law Office of Jason M. Sullivan, PLLC, can meet with anyone hoping to adjust status and obtain a green card or become a citizen. Call to speak with an experienced Portsmouth, New Hampshire or Miami, Florida naturalization lawyer today in a private consultation.