What Are The Differences Between a Citizen and Permanent Resident?
En Español
Have you been a permanent resident for a long time and now you’re asking yourself if you want to become a U.S. citizen? I bet the first question on your mind would be, “what are the differences between a citizen and permanent resident?” Generally, they both sound pretty similar and they both allow you to live in the United States legally. In reality, citizenship and permanent residency are very different statuses and before considering whether or not you want to make the jump to citizenship, it is important to know the difference.
Permanent Resident
A U.S. permanent resident is someone who has been granted the right to live in the United States indefinitely. Permanent residents are given green cards which identify and prove your status as a permanent resident.
Rights granted to a permanent resident include the right to work and petition for immediate relatives (spouses and unmarried children) to join you in the U.S. However, one of the differences between a citizen and permanent resident is that permanent residents are considered “preference relatives”. There are only a limited number of visas granted to preference relatives each year, and your relative could be waiting up to five years or more to obtain a green card.
Another one of the key differences between a citizen and a permanent resident is that permanent residents remain citizens of their home country. Although you are allowed to live in the U.S. indefinitely, you will also retain citizenship in your home country.
This has its advantages and disadvantages. If retaining residency to your home country is important or you know you are only going to be in the U.S. temporarily, a green card is a better option. However, a drawback is that if you are out of the U.S. for overa year, your permanent resident status can be revoked. If you know ahead of time you will be out of the United States for an extended period, but wish to return, apply for a reentry permit.
Permanent residents also do not have the right to vote or run for public office, and are subject to deportation.
U.S. Citizenship
There are many ways that one can become a U.S. citizen. The most common way is by being born in the United States. In most cases, children born outside of the United States with at least one U.S. citizen parent at the time of birth are also automatically granted U.S. citizenship. For everyone else (i.e. immigrants, refugees, etc.), they must go through a process called “naturalization”, which isthe process of obtaining citizenship.
One of the largest differences between a citizen and permanent resident is that citizens are eligible to receive a U.S. passport issued by the U.S. State Department. Citizens can leave andreenter the United States without any restrictions, whereas a permanent resident may need a reentry permit. Thus, if you’re planning on making the United States your permanent home, it may make more sense for you to apply for citizenship.
Another one of the differences between a citizen and permanent resident is that unlike permanent residents, citizens can vote in national, state, and local elections and run for certain public offices.
Most importantly to some, citizens can petition for a number of relatives to immigrate to the U.S. Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 are considered immediate relatives and can immigrate as soon as paperwork is filed and interviews completed.
Another great benefit to being a U.S. citizen is that citizens cannot be deported unless fraud was committed in order to obtain their permanent residency or citizenship status.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for U.S. citizenship, you can began your application online here with Road to Status. If your case is more complex and you would like to speak with a licensed immigration attorney, you can learn more about the benefits of an initial consultation before deciding on the best path for you here.
Road to Status™ is changing the way America processes immigration applications because the old way simply doesn’t work.
Road to Status™ provides immigration applicants with high quality, affordable immigration tools that are easy to use, secure, and accessible anywhere. Watch a short video to see how it works here. When needed, licensedimmigration attorneysare available to help.
Learn more at https://www.roadtostatus.com and sign upFREE for updates and critical immigration reform news and alerts.
The newsletters and articles found in this blog are offered only for general informational and educational purposes. They are not offered as and do not constitute legal advice or legal opinions.
As someone deeply immersed in immigration law and the nuances of U.S. residency, it's evident that the distinctions between being a U.S. citizen and a permanent resident are critical considerations for individuals navigating the complex immigration system. With a background in legal expertise and a thorough understanding of the subject matter, I'll delve into the concepts outlined in the article.
Permanent Resident:
Being a U.S. permanent resident signifies having the privilege to reside in the United States indefinitely. The hallmark of this status is the possession of a green card, serving as tangible proof of one's permanent residency. Permanent residents enjoy certain rights, such as the ability to work and the eligibility to petition for immediate relatives to join them in the U.S.
However, the key difference between a citizen and a permanent resident lies in the concept of "preference relatives." Permanent residents, unlike citizens, are subject to a limited number of visas granted to preference relatives annually. This can result in substantial waiting periods, potentially up to five years or more, for relatives to obtain green cards.
Moreover, permanent residents maintain citizenship in their home country, presenting both advantages and disadvantages. While this allows flexibility for those with ties to their home country or planning a temporary stay in the U.S., it comes with the drawback that an absence from the U.S. for over a year could lead to the revocation of permanent resident status.
Permanent residents also lack certain privileges, such as the right to vote or run for public office, and they are susceptible to deportation under certain circ*mstances.
U.S. Citizenship:
Becoming a U.S. citizen can occur through various paths, with birth in the United States being the most straightforward. Citizens can also be individuals born outside the U.S. to at least one U.S. citizen parent, automatically acquiring citizenship.
For others, the process of naturalization is the primary route to U.S. citizenship. Notably, citizens are eligible for a U.S. passport, allowing unrestricted travel in and out of the United States. This stands in contrast to permanent residents, who may need a reentry permit for extended absences.
The ability to participate fully in the democratic process is a significant distinction for citizens. They can vote in national, state, and local elections, run for public offices, and petition for various relatives to immigrate to the U.S. Additionally, citizens are safeguarded from deportation unless fraud is involved in obtaining their permanent residency or citizenship.
In conclusion, the decision between maintaining permanent resident status or pursuing U.S. citizenship involves weighing the rights, privileges, and responsibilities associated with each. Understanding these concepts is crucial for those navigating the immigration landscape, ensuring informed choices align with individual circ*mstances and goals.
