The difference between a lawful permanent resident and a citizen can be easily confused in the US since green card holders almost have the same rights as U.S. citizens. However, there are key differences that separate the two legal statuses.
Permanent residents, also known as green card holders, can live in the U.S. permanently and gain access to education, health care services, and more. At the same time, a U.S. citizen has full rights and responsibilities in the country, such as voting, running for office, and more.
The main difference between a green card holder and a U.S. citizen is in their rights and the security of their status. While both can live and work in the U.S., only citizens can vote, hold a U.S. passport, and access specific federal jobs. Citizenship is permanent, whereas Green Card holders must maintain their residency and renew their status.
This guide will break down everything about a permanent resident vs a citizen. We will cover:
What is a lawful permanent resident?
A lawful permanent resident (LPR) in the United States is an individual who has been granted the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently. They receive an alien registration card, also known as a green card, which serves as proof of their status.
Lawful permanent residents can work in the U.S., live anywhere, and access public education and healthcare services. They can also apply for a driver’s license and various government benefits. However, they must comply with U.S. laws, file tax returns, and renew their permanent residency permits every ten years. LPRs can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting specific residency and eligibility requirements.
Additionally, U.S. green card holders (lawful permanent residents) cannot obtain a U.S. passport because they are not U.S. citizens. They may still hold a passport from their home country and can travel internationally with their home country’s passport alongside their U.S. green card to re-enter the United States. To get a second passport they must first be naturalized citizens.
What is a citizen?
In the United States, a citizen is an individual who is legally recognized as a member of the country and has full rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. There are two primary ways to become a citizen: by birth or naturalization.
Birthright Citizenship means anyone born in the U.S. or born to U.S. citizen parents (even if born outside the U.S.) is automatically a citizen.
Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national can become a citizen after fulfilling certain requirements, such as living in the U.S. for a specific period, demonstrating good moral character, passing English and civics tests, and taking an oath of allegiance to the United States.
U.S. citizens can vote in elections, run for public office, apply for federal jobs, and obtain a U.S. passport. They are also responsible for obeying the law, paying taxes, and serving on juries when called. Unlike lawful permanent residents, U.S. citizens cannot be deported. This means, U.S. citizens can have dual citizenship, meaning they can hold citizenship in the U.S. and another country simultaneously
Key Differences between U.S Permanent Resident and Citizen
These are the key differences between residency and citizenship in the U.S.
Feature | U.S. Permanent Resident | U.S. Citizen |
Definition | A non-citizen who has been granted permission to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. | A person who is a legal member of the U.S. with full rights and responsibilities. |
Status | Lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder). | U.S. citizen (by birth or naturalization). |
Rights to Vote | Cannot vote in federal or state elections. | Can vote in all elections. |
Running for Office | Cannot run for federal office; may run for some local offices. | Can run for federal, state, and local offices. |
Deportation Risk | Can be deported for certain crimes or violations. | Cannot be deported, except in rare cases (e.g., denaturalization). |
Passport | Does not receive a U.S. passport; must use passport from country of origin. | Can obtain a U.S. passport. |
Eligibility for Federal Jobs | Limited access to federal jobs. | Eligible for federal government jobs. |
Travel Restrictions | May face restrictions when traveling outside the U.S. and may need to apply for re-entry. | Can travel freely and has the right to re-enter the U.S. |
Family Sponsorship | Can sponsor certain family members for permanent residency. | Can sponsor a wider range of family members for immigration. |
Duration of Status | Status can be revoked or expire. | Citizenship is permanent and cannot be revoked except under specific circumstances. |
Path to Citizenship | Can apply for naturalization after meeting certain requirements (usually after 3-5 years of residency). | No path required; citizenship is obtained at birth or through the naturalization process. |
To learn more about how to get a second passport
Who is eligible for US lawful permanent residency?
Eligibility for U.S. permanent residency, or a green card, generally falls into several categories, each with specific requirements. Those who can become lawful permanent residents must fall under these general categories:
Family sponsorship
This is when U.S. citizens can sponsor spouses, children, parents, and siblings for permanent residency, with shorter wait times for immediate relatives. Green card holders can also sponsor spouses and unmarried children, but processing may take longer.
Employment-based Green Cards
U.S. employers may sponsor workers in certain skilled jobs or high-demand fields. Some special categories, like religious workers or international U.S. government employees, may also qualify for permanent residency.
Other special categories
Victims of abuse, trafficking, or other crimes may qualify for green cards through humanitarian programs. Investors creating jobs in the U.S. through immigrant investor programs like the EB-5 visa may also qualify.
Who is eligible for US citizenship through naturalization?
Eligibility for U.S. citizenship through naturalization generally requires applicants to meet these critical criteria:
Permanent Residency
Applicants must hold a green card and have been lawful permanent residents for at least 5 years or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen.
Continuous and Physical Presence
Candidates must have lived in the U.S. for 5 years (or 3 years for spouses of citizens) and been physically present there for at least half of that time.
Good Moral Character
Applicants need to demonstrate good moral character, typically shown by a clean criminal record, adherence to tax obligations, and lawful behavior.
English Language and Civics Knowledge
Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of English and pass a test on U.S. government, history, and civics unless they qualify for certain exemptions.
Oath of Allegiance
Final approval requires taking an Oath of Allegiance to the United States, affirming loyalty and commitment to its laws and Constitution.
Explore Global Citizenship: Key Insights and Options
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Exploring Citizenship by Investment: For those interested in acquiring citizenship through investment, our guide on citizenship through investment breaks down the process, benefits, and key considerations, helping you understand how this path might suit your personal and financial goals.
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Comparing Citizenship by Investment Programs: Choosing the right program is vital. Our comprehensive comparison of CBI programs worldwide provides a clear, side-by-side look at what each country offers, aiding you in finding the perfect match for your needs.
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At Global Citizen Solutions, we're committed to helping you navigate the path to a new citizenship with ease and confidence. Explore our resources to gain a clearer understanding of your options and embark on your journey towards global citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Permanent Resident vs Citizen
What is a U.S. permanent resident?
A U.S. permanent resident, or green card holder, is someone who has been granted permission to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely but is not a U.S. citizen.
What rights do U.S. citizens have that permanent residents do not have?
Another point about U.S. Permanent Resident vs Citizen, U.S. citizens have the right to vote in federal and state elections, apply for U.S. passports, and run for federal office. Permanent residents do not have these rights.
Can permanent residents be deported?
Yes, permanent residents can be deported for certain legal violations. U.S. citizens, on the other hand, cannot be deported.
Do permanent residents pay the same taxes as citizens?
Yes, both permanent residents and U.S. citizens are subject to the same federal, state, and local taxes.
How does the path to citizenship work for a permanent resident?
Permanent residents can apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization after living in the U.S. for a certain number of years (typically 3-5), meeting residency and other eligibility requirements.
What is the difference in family sponsorship between citizens and permanent residents?
U.S. citizens can sponsor a wider range of family members for immigration, including parents and siblings, while permanent residents are limited to sponsoring spouses and unmarried children.
Can a permanent resident lose their status?
yes, a permanent resident can lose their Green Card status for reasons like committing certain crimes, living outside the U.S. for extended periods without re-entry permits, or voluntarily giving up residency.
Can U.S. citizens live outside the U.S. without losing their citizenship?
Yes, U.S. citizens can live abroad indefinitely without losing their citizenship. Permanent residents, however, risk losing their status if they reside outside the U.S. for too long.
Do permanent residents have the same legal protections as citizens?
In most cases, yes. Both citizens and permanent residents have the same legal rights under U.S. law, though citizens cannot be deported.
Can permanent residents apply for a U.S. passport?
No, only U.S. citizens can apply for a U.S. passport. Permanent residents must travel on the passport of their country of origin.
