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Difference between Green Card Holder and US Citizen

  • Writer: Eddie Kim
    Eddie Kim
  • Apr 16, 2023
  • 1 min read

Green card and citizenship are two terms that are often used interchangeably in the context of U.S. immigration, but they actually refer to different things. A green card is a form of legal permanent residency that allows an individual to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, while citizenship is a legal status that confers additional rights and privileges.


Some of the main differences between green card and citizenship include:

  • Voting: Only citizens can vote in U.S. elections.

  • Travel: Citizens can travel with a U.S. passport and have access to consular services while abroad, while green card holders may face restrictions on their ability to travel outside the U.S.

  • Federal jobs: Many federal jobs are only open to U.S. citizens.

  • Deportation: While both green card holders and citizens can be deported for certain crimes or violations of immigration laws, citizens are generally less vulnerable to deportation than green card holders.

Becoming a citizen typically requires passing a citizenship test and meeting additional requirements such as continuous residence and good moral character. However, once someone becomes a citizen, they have the full rights and protections of a U.S. citizen and cannot be deported.

 
 

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