Sometimes, there can be uncertainty after achieving a goal. After becoming a green card holder, or legal permanent resident, you must wait five years (3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) to apply for a U.S. citizenship. The process is called naturalization, and you can apply with form N-400 to get your U.S. citizenship if you meet every requirement.
Often we focus on how to achieve a goal without fully understanding the benefits of achieving the goal. In past posts, we have focused on how and when you can apply for U.S. citizenship. We have explained the naturalization process and how to complete form N-400 if you meet every requirement. We have also described how after becoming a “green card holder” (officially known as a legal permanent resident), to apply for U.S. Citizenship, you must wait five years, or three years if you became a lawful permanent resident through your spouse. Now we will explain the benefits of becoming a Legal Permanent Resident.
So, what is the difference between U.S. Citizenship and a Legal Permanent Residency? We will start with what rights and privileges U.S. Citizenship confers and then compare it to lawful permanent residence.
What is U.S. Citizenship?
U.S. citizenship means holding the status of citizen of the United States. The following is a list of some of the many benefits of U.S. citizenship:/p>
- You cannot be deported. You will have the same immigration rights as any U.S.-born citizen.
- You can travel for short trips without a visa to many countries. If needed, you can also seek help or protection from U.S. embassies or consulates abroad.
- You may apply for public benefits available only to U.S. citizens.
- Your children may also derive U.S. citizenship. Make sure you register their birth certificate at a U.S. embassy or consulate if born outside the United States.
- You can file immigration petitions for your other family members, such as parents, siblings, and married adult children.
- You can vote! It is both a right and a duty to participate in the country’s democracy for any U.S. election. As a citizen, you can also be eligible for government jobs.
What does it mean to be a Green Card holder?
Whether you obtained a Green Card before or after entering the U.S., being a permanent resident means you can settle in the U.S. permanently. Here are some of the main benefits of being a Lawful Permanent Resident:
- You do not have to give up your native citizenship.
- You can live in the U.S. indefinitely if you do not break specific laws.
- You can have easier entry to the U.S.
- You do not need to apply for a work permit anymore – having your green card updated means you can legally work.
- You may spend less on tuition and education.
- After some time, you can apply for a U.S. citizenship!
What are the differences?
Although with a green card, you can apply for your family members to get a Green Card too, you do not get the priority or immediate eligibility for the process as if you were a U.S. Citizen. Although you can travel with both documents, your citizenship provides perks in the process, while having a Green Card makes it easier than if you did not have legal status.
A significant deterrent for applying for a U.S. Citizenship is the fear of losing your native citizenship; however, applying for naturalization does not mean you will, as most countries usually allow up to 2 citizenships. In general, having the U.S. citizenship, as opposed to only lawful permanent residence, means you have more rights in the U.S.
The decision as to what legal status you should have will depend solely on you and your circumstances, but if you’d like to consult with an experienced attorney to help you decide the best course of action for you, schedule a meeting with us! The J. Molina Law Firm is an accomplished immigration law firm, and we excel at customer service. We want to assist you with your case, and if you have any questions or doubts, do not waste any time and call us today at (469) 708-5800.