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What is a green card and what is citizenship? Differences and similarities
The bearer of a green card has the right to remain in the United States and to seek employment. Yet the green card holder lacks the full range privileges.
There are several parallels and distinctions between a green card and full citizenship. To be more explicit, a person who holds a green card is fully protected by the law while in the country. In addition, assimilation into a country’s citizenry is a step in the immigration process. As a result, most green card holders ultimately apply for and are granted citizenship.
Distinctions Between a Green Card and Citizenship
The process of becoming a citizen is quite different from that of obtaining a green card. Green card holders are not permanent U.S. citizens, as was previously said. The bearer of a green card has the legal right to remain in the United States and to seek employment. Yet the green card holder lacks the full range of citizens’ privileges, including the ability to vote. A person with a green card may need to wait a few years before they are granted full citizenship.
A Few of the Many Rewards of U.S. Citizenship
There is a heightened degree of support for the people of the United States. Therefore, people who are not U.S. citizens go there intending to complete the naturalization process so that they may become full citizens. There is a $680 filing fee, a mountain of paperwork, fingerprints, and an in-depth interview involved in the naturalization procedure.
But once you become a citizen, you get access to a wide range of benefits, such as the ones listed below:
- Citizens cannot be returned to their native country unless in cases of fraud in gaining citizenship.
- In every election, your voice counts as a U.S. citizen.
- You are eligible to apply for any kind of financial aid available to U.S. citizens, including but not limited to loans, scholarships, and grants.
- To bring your loved ones to the United States, as a U.S. citizen, you may submit immigration petitions. In addition, your children born outside of the United States may also apply for citizenship.
- You are free to go anywhere in the world, including the United States.
- You can get whatever kind of benefit you want, including health and other medical insurance, retirement insurance, and so on.
- You may choose a job with the federal government or a state government.
- Status as a Permanent Legal Resident of the United States
Why do people seek to become legal residents
People who are not citizens often rush to apply for a green card as soon as they meet the requirements. The freedom to travel domestically and abroad and to, submit an immigration petition for all immediate family members also to receive green cards are two significant advantages of holding a green card. However, keep in mind that green card holders cannot be away from the country for more than six months without risking losing their residency status.
Obtaining a green card in the United States may be challenging due to the small number of eligible applicants and the annual cap placed by the USCIS on the number of green cards it grants. The application procedure for green card status is long and complicated, so bear that in mind. In addition, the USCIS may still find you ineligible for green card status even if you fit into one of the qualifying categories.
- Green Card Lottery
- Green Cards for Family Members
- Green Card for Certain Job Skills
- Green Card for Refugees
- Green Card Removal Proceedings
A person may be deemed inadmissible for various reasons, including but not limited to a criminal or terrorist record, immigration infractions in the past, health problems, financial difficulties, etc.