Are you considering becoming a permanent resident of the United States? As we know, the U.S. is also a land of many opportunities, which is why many non-residents want to get citizenship in the USA. If so, you may be wondering if you should apply for a green card or citizenship. Along with some similarities, there are some key differences. This blog post will explore those differences and help you decide which option is right for you. Let’s discuss the details of a Green card vs citizenship.

The Difference between U.S. Green Card And U.S. Citizenship

Citizen definition is a person owing permanent allegiance to a state or a nation member. The person owes allegiance to the country and is responsible for its protection. A green card is like a permit that allows foreign citizens to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Once you have got your green card for five years, you can apply for U.S. citizenship.

US Green Card vs US Citizenship
US Green Card vs US Citizenship

The process of applying for citizenship varies based on several factors, including whether or not you’ve ever had a green card canceled or your current age. Suppose you have an interest in applying for U.S. citizenship. In that case, you must contact the right immigration attorney as soon as possible so they can guide you through the application process. They will ensure everything to complete the procedure correctly.

Green Card and Citizenship Similarities

There are two key similarities between green cards and citizenship: Many of the rights, benefits, and protections that come with a U.S. green card apply to citizens as well. For example, you can petition for certain family members to live in the U.S., regardless of whether you have a green card or not.

You may be eligible for financial aid to attend college or university. Also, you can even buy a car! However, you need to pay taxes on your income. It is beneficial no matter if you have citizenship or not. Just like green card holders, U.S. citizens may sponsor certain family members so they can also come and live in the country.

Green Card and Citizenship
Green Card and Citizenship

Green Card vs Citizenship – Which One Should You Apply For?

As per rules, it is always a good idea to apply for a green card before applying for U.S. citizenship. That is because the process of obtaining a green card typically takes less time than becoming a citizen, and you can enjoy all of the benefits that come with being a permanent resident. At the same time, your application moves through the system.

In addition, if you have not yet lived in the United States for a full five years on your green card, it’s a good idea to hold off becoming a citizen until after this period is over.

That way, you can avoid being penalized by potentially having to pay taxes on the entirety of your income earned during those first five years. As a permanent resident, you must pay taxes on any income earned within the United States. But as a citizen, you are responsible for paying taxes on your worldwide income.

Applying for Green Card
Applying for Green Card

In some cases, if too much time has passed since you obtained your green card and it has been less than five years since your taxes were filed, you may be required to amend taxes and possibly pay penalties. In this case, it’s best to contact an immigration lawyer who can offer you advice and guidance on how to proceed.

What does U.S. Citizenship mean?

U.S. citizenship comes with a wide variety of benefits, including the right to vote, the ability to run for office, and protection under U.S. laws while traveling or living outside of the country. It can make applying for a loan or conducting business in other countries much easier. So, it opens up access to a broader pool of potential investors and clients.

Another significant benefit is the ability to help family members immigrate to the U.S. more quickly and easily, as your citizenship allows you to petition for their green cards without having to wait in long visa backlogs.

In addition, being a citizen is advantageous from a tax perspective because it means you are subject to pay taxes on your worldwide income. For most people, this is beneficial because it includes all of the money they earn in the United States, whereas permanent residents only have to pay taxes on U.S.-earned income.

US Citizenship
US Citizenship

What does U.S. Green Card mean?

The most significant advantage to holding a green card is the ability to live and work freely in the country and travel back and forth without having to worry about visa restrictions.

It also means that you are entitled to all of the benefits that come with being a permanent resident. They include protection under U.S. law while living or traveling outside of the country.

Additional Benefits Of A Green Card

Along with the benefits mentioned above, having a green card also means you can petition for other members of your family to immigrate more quickly, without having to wait in long visa backlogs.

You are also given access to state and federal financial aid when applying for college in addition to various other benefits.

Final Verdict: Green Card vs Citizenship

We have discussed the key differences and similarities between citizenship and a green card and the benefits that both have. Citizenship offers more benefits than a Green Card, but it is also harder to obtain. A Green Card holder can apply for citizenship after five years of residency, while a citizen must have been a resident for only three years. 

US Citizenship Application
US Citizenship Application

Citizenship also confers the right to vote and run for office. It also lets you sponsor other family members for residency in the United States. A Green Card gives you the freedom to work in the United States, travel in and out of the country freely, and receive social security benefits.

FAQs

Have you ever had to apply for a green card or citizenship?

I haven’t had to apply for a green card or citizenship, but I know many people who have. The process can be pretty daunting, especially if you’re not familiar with the law or the immigration system.

Luckily, several resources are available to help guide you through the process. Many immigration lawyers can help you with your application.

If you’re planning about applying for a green card or citizenship, I recommend checking out some of the relevant resources. Also, contact an immigration lawyer to get started. Good luck!

Which do you think is better in Green Card vs Citizenship?

Citizenship is better because you will only enjoy benefits/privileges with limitations as a Green Card holder. However, both have their advantages and disadvantages.

I hope you enjoy our article, do check more of our amazing articles.