Comparison Articles
Citizen vs Green Card: Which Is Better?
Are you trying to decide between becoming a citizen or obtaining a green card? Read on for an in-depth comparison of the differences between both statuses and which is best for your situation.
When it comes to residing in the United States, there are two primary paths to take: becoming a citizen or obtaining a green card. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the decision to pursue one over the other will depend on individual circumstances.
In this article, we will explore the differences between being a citizen and holding a green card, and which option might be better for you.
Table of Contents
What is a Citizen?
A citizen is an individual who has the legal right to permanently reside and work in the United States. Citizenship is typically acquired through birth within the United States, through parents who are citizens, or through the naturalization process.
Citizens have the right to vote and run for political office, are protected by the full range of constitutional rights, and cannot be deported.
What is a Green Card Holder?
A green card holder, also known as a permanent resident, is an individual who is authorized to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis.
A green card holder may petition to bring family members to the United States and can apply for citizenship after a certain amount of time has passed. However, green card holders do not have the right to vote or run for political office, and they can be deported under certain circumstances.
Differences between Citizen and Green Card Holders
# Voting and Running for Office: Citizens have the right to vote and run for political office, while green card holders do not.
# Traveling: Citizens can travel in and out of the United States without restriction, while green card holders may face restrictions on the length of time they can spend outside the country.
# Government Benefits: Citizens are eligible for all government benefits, while green card holders may be limited in the amount and type of benefits they can receive.
# Employment Opportunities: Citizens can work in any job without restriction, while green card holders may face restrictions on certain types of jobs.
Which is Better?
Whether citizenship or a green card is better depends on individual circumstances. For example, if you plan on living in the United States for the rest of your life and want the full range of constitutional rights, citizenship may be the best option for you. However, if you are not sure how long you will be staying in the United States, or if you are not interested in voting or running for political office, a green card may be a better fit.
In terms of immigration law, it is typically easier to become a citizen if you hold a green card. However, the process can still be lengthy and expensive, and some individuals may not be eligible for citizenship. In these cases, holding a green card may be the best option.
The key differences between being a US citizen and holding a green card, including additional categories:
| US Citizen | Green Card Holder | |
|---|---|---|
| Voting | Has the right to vote and run for political office. | Cannot vote or run for political office. |
| Travel | Can travel in and out of the United States without restriction. | May face restrictions on the length of time they can spend outside the country. |
| Reentry Permit | Not required | Required for absences of more than one year |
| Government Benefits | Eligible for all government benefits, including Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. | May be limited in the amount and type of benefits they can receive. |
| Medicaid | Eligible for Medicaid regardless of income. | May be ineligible for Medicaid depending on income. |
| Social Security Benefits | Eligible for full Social Security benefits. | May be eligible for Social Security benefits, but may receive a reduced amount. |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Eligible for SSI. | Ineligible for SSI. |
| Retirement Benefits | Eligible for full retirement benefits. | May be eligible for retirement benefits, but may receive a reduced amount. |
| Employment Opportunities | Can work in any job without restriction. | May face restrictions on certain types of jobs, particularly those that require security clearance or government contracts. |
| Self-Employment | Allowed to start a business or work as a freelancer. | May face restrictions on starting a business or working as a freelancer. |
| Taxes | Must pay taxes on worldwide income. | Must pay taxes on US income, but may also have to pay taxes on worldwide income depending on the country of origin. |
| Estate Taxes | Estates may be subject to US estate tax on worldwide assets. | Estates are subject to US estate tax only on US assets. |
| Deportation | Cannot be deported, except in very limited circumstances (such as for committing a serious crime). | Can be deported if they violate US immigration laws or commit a serious crime. |
| Citizenship for Family Members | Can petition to bring family members to the US and help them become citizens. | Can sponsor immediate family members (spouse and children) for green cards, but they must go through the same application process as any other green card applicant. |
| Political Participation | Can participate in political campaigns and donate to political candidates or causes. | Cannot participate in political campaigns or donate to political candidates or causes. |
| Passport | Can obtain a US passport. | Cannot obtain a US passport. |
| Jury Duty | Can serve on a jury. | Cannot serve on a jury. |
It is important to note that these are not the only differences between being a US citizen and holding a green card. The decision of whether to pursue citizenship or a green card will depend on individual circumstances and priorities, and there may be other factors to consider, such as the length of time it takes to become a citizen, the costs involved in the application process, and the rights and privileges of citizenship beyond those listed here.
Overall, becoming a US citizen is a significant step that confers a wide range of legal rights, benefits, and responsibilities. However, the process of becoming a citizen can be complex and time-consuming, and not everyone may be eligible or interested in pursuing citizenship. A green card can provide many of the benefits of legal permanent residency, while also offering more flexibility and fewer obligations than citizenship.
The bottom line
In the end, whether to pursue citizenship or a green card is a personal decision that depends on individual circumstances. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to carefully consider all aspects before making a decision.
