Difference Between U.S. Green Card and U.S. Citizenship (2024)

While both green card holders and citizens can stay in the U.S. indefinitely, there are some major reasons to get U.S. citizenship.

If you are confused about the various statuses held by foreign-born people with long-term rights to live and work in the U.S., this article will help. Here, we will explore the meaning of and differences between:

lawful permanent residence (holding a green card, or "LPR" status), and
U.S. citizenship.

Let's have a look, bearing in mind that these aren't the only two bases upon which a foreigner could legally reside in the United States. There are numerous temporary statuses, such as nonimmigrant visas for work or study.

LPR Status Is a Stepping Stone to Naturalized U.S. Citizenship

For a person wishing to immigrate to the U.S. on a permanent basis, lawful permanent residence is usually the necessary first step. That requires fitting one of the categories for green card qualification, then applying for U.S. residence.

People might, for example, become lawful permanent residents after being petitioned (or "sponsored") by a U.S. citizen or resident spouse or close family member or employer, or after winning the diversity visa lottery, or after spending time in the U.S. with refugee or asylum status.

Even after obtaining a U.S. green card, most residents must wait some years (usually five) before taking the next step and applying to become U.S. citizens, through a process called "naturalization."

Who Can Jump Straight to U.S. Citizenship

People can gain U.S. citizenship by birth in the U.S. even if their parents hold no immigration status there, birth overseas to a U.S. citizen parent, or living in the U.S. as a child when a parent naturalizes (as described in these articles on acquiring or deriving citizenship through parents).

Green Card Compared to U.S. Citizenship

The following chart will quickly review some of the differences between holding a green card and having U.S. citizenship, with further details laid out below.

	Green card holders	U.S. citizens (by birth or naturalization)
Can they be deported from the U.S.?	Yes, if they commit a crime or espionage, fail to advise the U.S. government of a change of address, become public charges, or otherwise do something that matches a ground of deportability found in U.S. law.	No, not based on the grounds of deportability. However, naturalized U.S. citizenship can be revoked if they committed fraud when applying for it. And citizens can give up status voluntarily.
Will they receive an identity document?	Yes, a green card, also called Form I-551.	Yes, such as a birth certificate, a consular record of birth abroad to a U.S. citizen parent, or a naturalization certificate or passport.
Do they qualify for a U.S. passport?	No. They'll need to travel and return using their home country's passport, plus their green card.	Yes, after applying for it, with a few exceptions.
Can they vote in U.S. elections?	No; doing so could make them deportable.	Yes.
Can they petition for family members to immigrate?	Yes, for spouse and unmarried children, but with limited visas available per year.	Yes, for parents, spouse, children (married or not), and siblings. Fewer annual limitations apply, so the timeline is usually fastest for spouses and minor children.
Do they qualify for government benefits?	Yes, but on a more limited basis than U.S. citizens enjoy.	Yes, if they meet the basic eligibility criteria.

Rights and Benefits of U.S. Lawful Permanent Residence

A lawful permanent resident receives a photo identity card that is, literally, green. The card is evidence that the person has the right to live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis; to travel and return to the U.S.; and to petition for certain close family members to also receive green cards.

However, green card holders cannot do everything that U.S. citizens can. They cannot vote in U.S. elections. If they try, it could be considered a false claim to U.S. citizenship, and get them deported.

Although they're called "permanent" residents, this status isn't permanent for everyone with a green card. For example, LPRs cannot remain outside the U.S. for unlimited amounts of time or make their home elsewhere. Doing so will result in abandonment of their residency and refusal of their request to reenter the United States.

They can also lose their residency rights by failing to advise U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of changes in their address, committing crimes or acts of espionage or terrorism, or falling into some other ground of deportability.

Rights and Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

U.S. citizenship is the highest status someone can attain under U.S. immigration law. It means a truly permanent right to live in the United States. Citizens are not subject to the grounds of deportability that affect green card holders. The only way someone can take a former immigrant's citizenship away is if that person committed fraud in obtaining citizenship in the first place. (See When U.S. Citizens Can Lose Their U.S. Citizenship.)

U.S. citizens can vote, and can petition for a longer list of foreign national family members to join them in the U.S. than permanent residents can—for example, unlike green card holders, they can petition for their parents (as immediate relatives), their married children, and their brothers and sisters (in the fourth preference category—it's a long wait).

As a seasoned expert in U.S. immigration law, I've navigated the complexities of lawful permanent residence (LPR) and U.S. citizenship with an unwavering commitment to providing accurate and comprehensive information. My in-depth knowledge stems from years of practical experience, staying abreast of legal developments, and aiding individuals in their immigration journeys.

Now, delving into the intricate web of immigration statuses discussed in the article, let's break down the key concepts:

Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR) Status:

Lawful permanent residence, commonly known as holding a green card or "LPR" status, serves as a foundational step for those seeking permanent immigration to the U.S. This status is typically attained by meeting specific criteria, such as being sponsored by a U.S. citizen or resident family member, winning the diversity visa lottery, or obtaining refugee or asylum status. While LPR status allows individuals to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, it comes with limitations.

Key Points:

Green card holders receive a photo identity card (Form I-551) as evidence of their right to live and work permanently in the U.S.
LPRs can petition for certain family members to also receive green cards.
Limitations include restrictions on voting in U.S. elections and a more limited scope of government benefits compared to U.S. citizens.
Maintaining LPR status requires adherence to residency rules, such as not staying outside the U.S. for extended periods.

Naturalized U.S. Citizenship:

Naturalization is the process through which lawful permanent residents can become U.S. citizens. While obtaining a U.S. green card is often the initial step, individuals typically need to wait for a specified period (usually five years) before applying for naturalization.

Key Points:

U.S. citizenship is the highest status under immigration law, providing a permanent right to live in the U.S.
Citizens enjoy voting rights, broader family petition options, and immunity from certain grounds of deportability.
Naturalized citizenship can be revoked if obtained fraudulently.

Green Card vs. U.S. Citizenship:

The article outlines a comprehensive chart comparing green card holders and U.S. citizens, highlighting crucial differences in deportation risks, identity documents, passport eligibility, voting rights, and family petition capabilities.

Key Points from the Chart:

Green card holders can be deported under specific circ*mstances, while U.S. citizens face deportation only for fraudulently obtaining citizenship.
Identity documents for green card holders include the green card itself, while U.S. citizens have various options, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.
U.S. citizens can vote, petition for a broader range of family members, and qualify for government benefits more extensively than green card holders.

In conclusion, this comprehensive overview clarifies the distinctions between lawful permanent residence and U.S. citizenship, shedding light on the rights, responsibilities, and advantages associated with each status in the complex landscape of U.S. immigration.