What is the difference between a green card and citizenship?
Key Takeaways
- U.S. citizenship is obtained through birth, parents with U.S. citizenship, or naturalization after holding a green card.
- Green cards can be earned through family, work, humanitarian, or diversity-based programs.
- Citizens can vote, hold federal jobs, and travel without residency restrictions.
- Citizenship requires more steps, including a language and civics exam.
Who is eligible for U.S. citizenship?
There are three main paths to becoming a U.S. citizen:
- Birth in the U.S. (jus soli): Anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a U.S. citizen, even if their parents are not.
- Birth to U.S. citizen parents (jus sanguinis): If you're born abroad but one or both of your parents are U.S. citizens, you may qualify for citizenship at birth.
- Naturalization: This process is for lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who meet requirements like continuous residence, physical presence in the U.S., good moral character, English proficiency, and passing a civics exam.
Who is eligible for a U.S. green card?
There are multiple ways to become a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. (a green card holder):
- Family-based sponsorship: You may qualify if you're the spouse, child, sibling, or parent of a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
- Employment-based sponsorship: Employers can petition for workers ranging from top-tier talent to skilled workers with specific job offers.
- Humanitarian programs: Individuals may qualify under refugee or asylum status or through protections for victims of crime or trafficking.
- Diversity visa lottery: Selected applicants from underrepresented countries can obtain green cards through an annual lottery.
- Special categories: These include Afghan/Iraqi nationals who helped U.S. forces, religious workers, and others under specific laws.
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Key differences between a green card and citizenship
While both offer the ability to live and work in the U.S., they differ in key rights and responsibilities:
- Permanent travel requirements: Citizens can leave the U.S. for as long as they want. Green card holders risk losing their status after extended absences.
- Voting rights: Only citizens can vote in federal elections.
- Federal job eligibility: Due to security clearance requirements, most federal jobs are only available to citizens.
- Dual nationality: Citizens can hold dual citizenship if their other country allows it. Green card holders remain citizens of their original country.
- Family sponsorship: Citizens can sponsor more relatives—like siblings and married children—and often face shorter wait times.
- Government benefits: Citizens can access more public benefits, while green card holders face restrictions or waiting periods.
- Deportation protection: Citizens can't be deported, but green card holders can be removed from the U.S. for certain criminal convictions or immigration violations.
Differences in the application process between a green card and citizenship
The application steps, forms, and requirements differ depending on whether you’re applying for a green card or citizenship:
- Forms to file: Use Form N-400 for citizenship. Green card applicants use forms like I-130 (for family sponsorship) and I-485 (for adjustment of status).
- Residency requirements: You must be a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 if married to a U.S. citizen) before applying for citizenship.
- Civics test: Naturalization applicants must pass a test on U.S. history and government. Green card applicants don’t take this test.
- English skills: Citizenship requires demonstrating basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills, but green card applicants don’t have this requirement.
- Interview content: Citizenship interviews include civics and language testing. Green card interviews focus on verifying eligibility, such as family relationships or employment.
Why you should consider a lawyer for your green card or citizenship application
Whether applying for a green card or preparing for naturalization, an immigration lawyer can help you avoid mistakes, delays, or denials. From checking your eligibility to helping with complicated paperwork and interview preparation, immigration lawyers with Marble guide you every step of the way. They’ll ensure your application is accurate, complete, and backed by strong supporting evidence—so you can confidently move forward.
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