Citizen vs Permanent Resident

Becoming a citizen of the United States can be an exciting opportunity. However, there are several ways non-citizens can come to the United States permanently, or for a temporary stay. A United States Citizen and a Permanent Resident are similar, but there are different requirements and steps one must take to achieving either status.

What is a United States Citizen?

A citizen is a legally recognized subject or national of a country. United States citizens are eligible for benefits depending on their age, including but not limited to:

• Voting in U.S. elections
• Applying for a driver’s license
• Attending school and university as a citizen
• The right to live and work in the U.S.
• Potential for federal assistance

A person may become a United States citizen in many ways. The four common ways to obtain U.S. citizenship are through naturalization, dual citizenship/nationality, citizenship by birth, or citizenship through acquisition.

What is a Lawful Permanent Resident?

A permanent lawful resident of the United States is a person who has been granted the right to live in the United States permanently and indefinitely. Permanent lawful residents are given a green card authorizing them to work and live in the United States, as well as the right to petition for other family members to join them under temporary visa in the United States.

Permanent residents remain citizens of another country upon gaining the lawful permanent resident status. When traveling, it is important to carry your passport and green card with you. Permanent lawful residents who have left the United States for more than a year may have difficulty re-entering and keeping that status.

Green Card vs Citizenship

A green card is a permanent resident card for anyone who has been granted the right to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. While green cards are typically sponsored by a family member or an employer in the United States, Green Cards are not equivalent to United States citizenship. People seeking green cards can also obtain them by refugee or asylee status. For more information on green card sponsorship from a family member, employer, or special immigrant status, contact the attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. or visit the USCIS green card eligibility categories.

How to Obtain a Green Card

To apply for a green card, an immigrant petition and green card application (Form I-485) must be filled out and submitted. Typically, someone must file the initial petition for you. This person will likely be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Your next steps when applying for a green card will depend on your location. If you are in the United States, you must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjustment of Status with USCIS. If you are outside of the United States, visit the United States Department of State Consular Processing page.

The general application process to apply for a green card varies depending on your individual circumstances. As an overview, the steps are as follows:

1. Someone files petition on your behalf
2. USCIS reviews and makes decision on your immigrant petition
3. If approved, you will attend an appointment to gather fingerprints, photos, and signatures
4. You will attend an interview
5. A final decision will be made on your application

For additional information on applying for a green card, contact the attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. or visit the USCIS.

Benefits of a Green Card Holder

As a green card holder, there are many benefits available to you. Green card holders can:

• Apply for visas for spouses and unmarried children to live in the United States
• Eligible for social security benefits
• Eligible to serve in certain branches of the U.S. military
• Eligible for federal benefits such as food stamps or temporary assistance
• Travel outside the United States, typically less than one year

Benefits of a U.S. Citizen

As a United States citizen, there are many benefits available to you. Common benefits for U.S. citizens are:

• Vote in local, state, and federal elections
• Run for public office in an election
• Apply for visas for relatives to live in the United States
• Gain citizenship for children who were born abroad
• Travel outside of the country for an unlimited amount of time with a United States passport
• Eligible to apply for certain federal jobs
• Serve in the United States military

What Can Both Green Card Holders and U.S. Citizens Do?

Despite green card holders having limitations that U.S. citizens may not, there are several benefits that both have in common. Green card holders and US.. citizens can:

• Own or rent property in the United States
• Eligible to apply for a driver’s license
• Attend public schools, colleges, and universities
• Open bank accounts
• Obtain social security numbers

Additionally, both green card holders and United States citizens are required to file federal and state income tax returns.

Contact an Attorney Today

At Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C., we provide individuals and families with the legal representation they need. Our legal team has over seven decades of combined experience to assist you or your loved one through the process of obtaining citizenship, or lawful permanent resident status in the United States. For more information on obtaining U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, contact a member of our legal team at 312.444.1940.