When a noncitizen becomes a lawful permanent resident (LPR), they obtain a green card and become eligible to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, with limited restrictions. After a few years, an LPR may apply to become a U.S. citizen through a process called naturalization. But is citizenship better than being an LPR?

This article will help you compare permanent resident vs citizen status. Understanding the rights each has, as well as what you might have to give up if you decide to become a citizen, may help you to make an informed decision.

What is permanent residency?

Permanent residency authorizes a non-U.S. citizen to live and work in the U.S. You may establish permanent residency through: 

Each path to permanent residence brings its own timeline. The fastest is usually the immediate relative visa, which often takes one to three years but may take more or less time depending on whether and what issues arise. The slowest is the family-based fourth preference visa for U.S. citizens’ siblings. Due to extensive backlogs and yearly limitations, those visas may take more than 20 years. Most green cards, however, take a handful of years.

Conditional permanent resident status

Green cards typically last for 10 years, but in some instances, people receive a conditional permanent resident card, which lasts only two years. Investor visas and marriage-based green cards issued when the couple has been married for two years or less are conditional. 

To obtain a 10-year card, conditional green card holders must apply to remove conditions in the 90-day window before the card expires—no earlier and no later. If you miss the deadline, you risk the government initiating removal (deportation) proceedings against you. 

Pro-tip:

Because of processing backlogs, conditional permanent resident status is becoming less common among marriage-based applicants. Which green card someone in this category receives depends on how long they’ve been married at the time they get their green card. So, if you get married and apply for a green card but don’t get the card until after you’ve been married for two years, it should last 10 years.

Maintaining permanent residence

Generally, permanent resident status is what it claims to be—permanent. Yet every permanent resident must:

We discuss each of these requirements below.

Card renewal

You don’t lose your status for failing to renew your green card before it expires. You may, however, lose your ability to prove your LPR status, potentially causing employment issues and preventing you from traveling into or out of the U.S.

Live in the U.S.

To maintain your status, you must not explicitly or implicitly abandon it. You may inadvertently abandon your status if you leave the U.S. without returning for one year or longer. To ensure you don’t lose your status, you generally want to apply for a reentry permit before you depart. Even with a reentry permit, if you remain outside the U.S. for two years or longer, you’ll need a returning resident (SB-1) visa to reenter the country, which you typically only get if something prevents you from returning despite your intentions.

Pro-tip:

If you plan to leave the U.S. for an extended period and want to maintain your LPR status, apply for and have a reentry permit in hand before you go. If possible, return to the U.S. before the permit expires. 

There’s one exception to the requirement that LPRs live in the U.S.: permanent resident in commuter status. LPRs may live outside the U.S. if they:

To later obtain a non-commuter green card, you must apply to remove your commuter status using Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), the same form you use if you’re wondering how to renew a permanent resident card. 

Follow immigration law

Despite their residence being “permanent,” LPRs may be deported. The U.S. government, at the president’s direction, decides who to target for removal. LPRs are rarely a high priority. 

Nevertheless, by law, the government may deport an LPR who is convicted of:

Pro-tip:

If you’re an LPR and you’re accused of a crime, consult a lawyer who knows both immigration law and your state’s criminal law. Many issues overlap between the areas of law. For example, whether a crime qualifies as a CIMT requires a complex analysis of state criminal law and federal immigration law. As a result, many refer to interrelated issues as involving “crimmigration”.

The government may also deport an LPR who:

Finally, the government may rescind a green card if, within five years of issuance, it discovers the LPR wasn’t qualified.

Pro-tip:

During the Trump Administration, the government declared its intention to target noncitizens receiving public benefits, like Medicaid, for deportation under the public charge doctrine. While the decision inspired anxiety, most noncitizens who qualify for public benefits, like asylees and refugees, are explicitly excluded from the public charge doctrine. If the government issues similar rules in the future and you’re unsure how the rule works, it may be beneficial to contact an attorney.

Benefits of permanent resident status

Benefits of LPR status include:

Eventually, an LPR may become a naturalized citizen.

What is naturalization?

Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. If you obtained your green card through any path other than marriage to a U.S. citizen, to become a naturalized citizen, you must:

If your U.S. citizen spouse sponsored your green card, you may naturalize sooner if you have:

If you qualify, you may submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Then, you attend an interview and take the civics knowledge and English-language proficiency tests. Next, you attend a naturalization ceremony, take the Oath of Allegiance, and receive your certificate of naturalization to officially become a U.S. citizen.

Benefits of citizenship

When you compare permanent residency vs citizenship, citizenship comes with many benefits, like:

The U.S. allows citizens to hold dual citizenship, so you may be able to retain your other citizenship. Regardless, you must bring your U.S. passport when you enter or leave the U.S.

Pro-tip:

Although extraordinarily rare, you may lose your citizenship, whether you gained it by birth or through naturalization, if the government finds you guilty of treason. In some circumstances, you may also lose your citizenship by serving in the military or running for office in another country.

Trade-offs of citizenship

The primary trade-off of U.S. citizenship is that it may affect your relationship to your original country of citizenship. Some countries allow dual citizenship, but others may require you to surrender your citizenship to become a U.S. citizen. Among those countries that allow dual citizenship, some set terms and limitations on it. For more information, you may contact your country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S.

Pursuing permanent resident vs citizen status

If you’re an LPR trying to decide whether to apply for citizenship, the choice is yours. Citizenship comes with many benefits, like not being deportable, the ability to sponsor more family members for green cards, more rights and greater privileges. However, you may have to give up your home citizenship. When deciding whether to give up your home citizenship or become a U.S. citizen, no one can decide but you.

An immigration attorney often proves invaluable throughout the green card and naturalization processes. If you hire a lawyer, they can help you through both, anticipating issues and ensuring you provide the information you need to provide when you need to provide it. Should problems arise, your lawyer can guide you through them.