What Are the Differences Between Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents?
If you are a lawful permanent resident and have met the required waiting period, you can apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen. To do so, you must submit your application to USCIS, attend an interview, and take the naturalization test on civic knowledge. In some cases, the test can be taken in Spanish, and exemptions are available for individuals with certain disabilities.
Below are the key differences in rights between a U.S. citizen and a lawful permanent resident:
- Voting: Only citizens can vote in national elections for the president, senators, and congress members.
- Employment: Citizens have access to federal government jobs that are not available to permanent residents.
- Representation: Only citizens can run for elected office as representatives.
- Jury Duty: Citizens can serve as jurors in criminal and civil trials.
- Family: Citizens can petition for permanent residency for family members more quickly and in more categories than permanent residents.
- Travel: Citizens can live or travel abroad without time restrictions, while permanent residents must be cautious about the time spent outside the U.S. to avoid losing their status.
- Legal Responsibility: Citizens are subject to criminal and civil liability but retain the right to reside in the U.S. Permanent residents, however, can be deported.
- Duration of Status: Citizenship is permanent, whereas a Green Card (permanent resident card) must be renewed periodically.
- Dual Citizenship: Citizens can hold dual nationality.
- Fiancé Visas: Only citizens can petition for a fiancé visa to bring a foreign fiancé to the U.S. for marriage.
- Children’s Rights: Children of U.S. citizens born abroad are entitled to a U.S. passport and can transmit their citizenship regardless of their place of birth (right of blood).
- Social Benefits: Social benefits, such as food stamps and Medicaid, are applied differently to citizens and permanent residents.
If you are eligible to apply for citizenship, don’t miss this opportunity to secure your future in the United States. At Samie Law Firm, our team of experts is ready to guide you through every step of the naturalization process. Contact us today and let us help make your dream of becoming a U.S. citizen a reality!