Difference between Citizens and Permanent Residents in the United States

Citizen and permanent resident are terms that come up in conversation frequently. People discuss the various benefits and advantages of permanent residence or citizenship. They also deliberate about what exactly differentiates the two. In a globalized world, it is only natural that these technicalities become of utmost importance. Citizens have inalienable rights which permanent residents may not have. We are going to answer the above questions and provide comprehensive information on the difference between citizens and permanent residents in the United States.

What is a Permanent Resident ?

A lawful permanent resident is someone who has been given the right to stay in the United States indefinitely. This includes the right to work for most employers in the United States. It also includes the right to work for yourself. Permanent residents remain citizens of another country.

How to Get Green Card in USA ?

Permanent residents receive a green card. The green card can be used as proof of employment eligibility and for social security card application. 

Travel Outside U.S. as a Permanent Resident 

A permanent resident can travel outside the U.S. They must show a valid green card upon returning to the U.S. The permanent resident must travel with a valid passport of another country. 

Every time you return to the United States, the same rules that were applied at the time of receiving the permanent residency, still hold. (health-related concerns, certain criminal activity, terrorism, national security, public charge, willful misrepresentation and false claims to U.S. citizenship). 

Voting in U.S Elections as a Permanent Resident

Voting is not permitted in the U.S. elections as a permanent resident. Only U.S. citizens can vote in the U.S. 

Losing Permanent Residence

If particular crimes or some other violations are made, you may be placed in removal proceedings and be considered for deportation. 

Additionally, if you stay outside the U.S. for more than 6 months at a time, immigration may evaluate your case. They will try to ascertain whether you still intended to make the U.S. your permanent home. If you stay outside for a year, immigration will assume that the permanent residency has been abandoned. This assumption is very hard to change. 

If you need to stay outside of the U.S. for a long time, you can apply for a reentry permit, before you leave. The reentry permit is usually issued for a validity 2 years but does not ensure reentry to the U.S. 

Requirements for Permanent Residents

Permanent residents are required to:

• File U.S. income tax returns as a resident
• Obey all laws of the U.S., states and localities
• Register for the Selective Service (if you are male and between age 18 through 25)
• Support the democratic form of government
• Notify the USCIS of any changes of address using Form AR-11

Green Card Expiration

You can apply for your green card upto 6 months before it expires. In order to apply for renewal of the card you can file Form I-90 (application to replace permanent resident card). 

If you are a conditional permanent resident, you must use Form I-751 (petition to remove the conditions on residence). 

Family Sponsorship by Permanent Residents

Permanent residents can petition for close family members (spouse and unmarried children) in order for them to obtain permanent residence. Family members are considered “preference relatives”. Only a limited number of immigrant visas are offered in this category per year. Family members are likely to spend many years on a waiting list before they are permitted to enter the U.S. or get a green card.

Naturalization Process and American Citizenship Requirements

Usually after five years for most cases and three years for spouses of U.S. citizens, permanent residents can apply for U.S. citizenship through a process called naturalization. 

Additional requirements for naturalization include:

• Good moral character
• Ability to read, write and speak English
• Understanding of U.S. history and government
• Continuous residence in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least 5 years preceding the application for naturalization and physical presence in the U.S. for at least half that time
• Residence in the state or USCIS district where the application is made for at least 3 months prior to the application

Citizenship Application

The application is filed using Form N-400 (application for naturalization).  For detailed information and guides, please review the USCIS website.

The Advantages of U.S. Citizenship 

• A U.S. citizen can apply for a U.S. State Department issued passport. The U.S passport is allowed visa-free travel to many countries. 

• U.S. citizens can leave for any amount of time and reenter the U.S. They will not be denied entry for leaving any length of time. 

• U.S citizens can vote in U.S. federal and local elections. They can also hold certain government jobs and serve on juries. A large number of federal and state government grants, scholarships and benefits are only available to U.S. citizens. 

• U.S. citizens are eligible for special security clearance that are necessary for some jobs. This could be with the U.S government or any other employers. 

• U.S citizens cannot be deported from the United States, unless they commit fraud or misrepresent themselves in order to obtain their green card or citizenship. 

Petition for Relatives for U.S Citizens

U.S. citizens can petition for certain relatives to immigrate to the U.S. Spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21 and parents are considered immediate relatives. They do not have to wait to receive permanent resident status, except for the time taken for petition processing and the interview process. Married children, children above the age of 21, brothers and sisters are considered preference relatives. They can be put on a waiting list in order to immigrate. The waiting time for siblings can be several years. 

Also Read: Immigrant vs Expat: Difference between Immigrants and Expats

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