What You Need to Know About the Difference Between a Permanent Resident and a Citizen
While often used interchangeably, many legal differences exist between permanent residents and citizens in the United States. Here is what you need to know about permanent resident vs citizen status.
A permanent resident is an individual who has been granted the right to reside in the United States indefinitely and to work in the country. Permanent residents are usually issued an alien registration card, informally known as a green card. Permanent residents also continue to hold citizenship in another country.
On the other hand, a United States citizen is usually born in the U.S. or has obtained citizenship through naturalization, acquisition, or derivation. A U.S. citizen has the right to work in the country and receive federal assistance from the federal government.
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Key Differences Between a Permanent Resident and a United States Citizen
Although many similarities exist between a permanent resident and a United States citizen, there are some key differences that are important to know:
1. Permanent residents cannot vote in the United States.
The requirements for participating in United States’ elections are as follows:
- The individual must be of at least 18 years of age,
- The individual must be a U.S. citizen, and
- The individual must meet the residency requirements of their state.
If a permanent resident votes in U.S. elections, they may be denied citizenship.
2. Permanent residents remain citizens of another country.
Unlike U.S. citizens, permanent residents remain citizens of another country. Therefore, every time a permanent resident travels outside of the United States, they must present their passport (from the country of citizenship) along with their green card.
3. Permanent residents cannot spend more than a year outside of the United States without obtaining a reentry permit first.
When residents spend a year or more outside of the United States, immigration authorities will assume that they have abandoned their residence. It is difficult to convince immigration authorities otherwise.
4. Permanent residents can be deported.
Permanent residents are subject to deportation if they commit certain crimes or violations.
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5. Permanent residents can become U.S. citizens.
After typically 5 years, permanent residents can apply to become U.S. citizens. Permanent residents must be able to speak, read, and write in English as well as pass an exam on U.S. history and government. However, if an individual is a permanent resident in the United States for 20 years and is over the age of 50, they may be exempt from taking the English language requirement.
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Who is a U.S. Citizen and What Can They Do?
A U.S. citizen is a person born in the United States, a person born to U.S. citizen parents, or through naturalization.
A U.S. citizen is eligible to receive a U.S. passport, and can leave and reenter the United States at any time and for any length of time.
U.S. citizens can vote in federal and local elections, hold government jobs, and serve on juries.
A U.S. citizen can petition for their relatives to immigrate to the United States. Brothers, sisters, unmarried children under the age of 21, and spouses will be considered immediate relatives and will be eligible to immigrate once all of the proper paperwork is filled out correctly and the necessary interviews take place.
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