Although both citizens and green card holders have the legal right to live in the United States, the two commonly referred-to legal terms carry very different meanings.
Being born in the United States automatically confers citizenship. “Birthright citizenship,” the legal term for citizenship by birth, applies to anyone born in the United States, including the offspring of undocumented immigrants, regardless of the citizenship status of their parents. The second way to gain U.S. citizenship involves applying for Naturalization. The Naturalization process includes a background check, citizenship test, and a basic understanding of the English language. The American government cannot deport United States citizens. Click here for more info on Citizenship.
Citizenship Rights
United States citizenship provides a myriad of legal rights that are not granted to green card holders. You become eligible to receive an American passport and most countries allow you to enter without having to obtain a visa first. United States citizens have the legal right to vote in elections, be on juries, and apply for federal jobs. As an American citizen, you can petition the federal government to permit your relatives to immigrate to the country. Moreover, you have legal access to numerous academic financial benefits, such as grants and scholarships.
Green card holders have earned the legal right to live in the United States. This can confuse some people since it is the same right granted to United States citizens. However, lawful permanent residents of the United States face several legal restrictions. You have a limited number of immigrant visas giving to “preference relatives.” You have the legal right to work in America, but your legal status prevents you from voting in any United States election. American immigration authorities limit the amount of time that you can legally be absent from the United States without forfeiting your green card, especially if you leave the country for more than 180 days at a time. Green card holders also have the cloud of deportation hanging over their heads, whereas American citizens do not.
Learn more about acquiring Green Card or Lawful Permanent Residency.
Generally, within five years, immigrants with green cards, who have demonstrated strong morals, and have maintained a continuous physical presence in the United States, have the legal right to apply for United States citizenship. Citizenship will be granted if the immigrant demonstrates the ability to speak and understand English, and pass a test on United States history and government.
At Nuñez & Associates, we strongly urge immigrants to contact our office to learn more about the important differences between having legal permanent resident status and being a United States citizen. Our team of experienced immigration attorneys can ensure you never have to worry about deportation by helping you move through the citizenship process. Our law firm is located at 2256 North 15th Ave., Phoenix, AZ, 85012.
