The Difference Between a U.S. green card Holder and U.S. citizenship

Do you know the difference between a U.S. green card and U.S. citizenship?

A U.S. green card (permanent residency) imposes totally different legal conditions as opposed to U.S. citizenship. Below are the main differences:

U.S. Green Card (Permanent Residency)

1. Legal Status: By obtaining a green card, a person is granted the status of a lawful permanent resident (LPR) in the United States.

2. Residency Rights: Green card holders can live and work permanently in the U.S. They are also allowed to go out of the country but it is their responsibility to maintain their residency status in the United state of America.

3. Renewal: Normally green cards need to be renewed in every 10 years.

4. Employment: Green card holders can work for any employer in the U.S. who needs a separate work visa.

5. Deportation Risk: Noncitizens with green cards face deportation, particularly if they are convicted of certain crimes or if they breach immigration laws.

6. Voting Rights: Green card holders are barred from voting in federal elections and, usually they cannot take part in state or local elections.

7. Military Service: There is a chance that some green card holders will be accepted into the U.S. army, with the restriction of particular positions and ranks to U.S. citizens.

8. Public Benefits: Green card holders may access a variety of public benefits but eligibility can vary and might be more restricted compared to citizens.

U.S. Citizenship

1. Legal Status: A full legal status of a U.S. citizen is granted when citizenship is obtained, according to the article.

2. Residency Rights: U.S. citizens are the only ones with the right to stay and work in America forever, and they can not under any circumstances be expelled.

3. Permanent Status: Once you get citizenship, it never needs to be renewed and it is lifelong.

4. Employment: U.S. citizens have the liberty to work for any hiring organization, whether federal corporations or non-profit organizations that have the proper security check.

5. Deportation: No matter the case, this privilege does not allow U.S. citizens to be deported.

6. Voting Rights: U.S. citizens are allowed to participate in local, state as well as federative elections.

7. Military Service: U.S. citizens are allowed to be engaged in any role within the U.S. military, including those that require U.S. citizenship.

8. Public Benefits: The U.S. citizens are eligible for all public benefits available.

8. Passport: U.S. citizens can obtain a U.S. passport that oversimplifies to travel and gives access to U.S. consular protection abroad.

10. Jury Duty: U.S. citizens besides volunteering for civil service have to serve an obligatory term of jury service if summoned to appear.

what is the path from green card holder to become U.S. Citizenship?

The path from being a green card holder to obtaining U.S. citizenship is a procedure called naturalization. Here are the ways and steps green card holders need to follow to become U.S. citizens:

1. Determine Eligibility

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Green Card Status: You must have been a green card holder(permanent residency) for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen).
• Continuous Residence: You must have lived continuously for at least 5 years in the U.S. (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) immediately preceding the date of filing the application.
• Physical Presence: You should have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 years (or 18 months out of the 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
• State Residence: You should have lived in the state or USCIS district where you apply for at least 3 months.
• Good Moral Character: You must demonstrate good moral character.
• English and Civics Knowledge: A basic understanding of the English language (reading, writing, and speaking) and U.S. history and government knowledge are the prerequisite for successful citizenship processes.

2. Complete Form N-400

• Form N-400: If you chose to enter your information on the online, where you write your info, submit the form, and wait for a response. If you filled out your application on paper it, the form will have to be sent to the office physically.
• Documents: Your first task as applicants is to obtain the required supporting documents such as your green card, and also, if married, proof of your marital status, and other documents that are mentioned in the instructions of the form.
• Fees: pay the application fee. Please be aware that the USCIS fee is subject to change. Before you pay, go to the USCIS website to check the current fee.

3. Submit Your Application

• Submission: Submit your completed Form N-400, supporting documents, and fee to USCIS. This can be done online or by mailing the proper paper application to the appropriate address.

4. Biometrics Appointment

• Appointment Notice: After submitting your application online or by mailing to the appropriate address and you will receive a notice for a biometrics appointment.
• Biometrics: Attend the appointment for your Biometrics the fingerprints, photographs, and a signature for background checks.

5. Interview and Tests

• Interview Notice: You will receive a notice for an interview with a USCIS officer.
• Interview: Attend the interview where you will answer questions about your application and background.
• Tests: You will have to do the English and civics tests while you are being interviewed. The English test will test your ability to read, write, and speak basic English. The civics test will ask you questions about U.S. history and government.

6. Receive a Decision

• Approval: If USCIS approves your application, you will receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance.
• Denial: If your application is denied, you will be notified about the reasons of the rejection. You will be given the opportunity to lodge an appeal or make the application again.

7. Take the Oath of Allegiance

• Oath Ceremony: Attend the naturalization ceremony where you will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
• Certificate of Naturalization: Once you repeat the vow, the Certificate of Naturalization will be granted to you, making you a legal U.S. citizen.

8. Post-Naturalization Steps

• Social Security: Update your records with the Social Security Administration.
• U.S. Passport: Apply for a U.S. passport.
• Voter Registration: Enroll to vote in federal, state, and local elections.

Now you becoming U.S. citizenship as a result of the status, and you have as a citizen allows you to participate in the right to vote, apply for federal jobs, and support your family members in immigration.