What’s The Difference Between A Green Card And The Naturalization Process?
People often think that a green card is the same as naturalization, but there are some differences. Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen and earning all of the rights and privileges that come with this status. The first step to getting your green card is obtaining permanent residency which can be done by applying for an employment visa, investing in a business, or marrying someone who’s already living here legally (a spouse).
While a naturalized US citizen will enjoy every right afforded by the Constitution, Green Card holders can only take advantage of their residency status to live in America temporarily. Having legal permission gives you more than just access- it means that for an appointed period of time or indefinitely as long they want with no limit on how long one wants to stay here permanently (unless Congress makes changes). Permanent residents continue being citizens from wherever else they come; however without any voting rights at all. A permanent resident’s immigration status can be jeopardized if they spend more than 6 months out of the country. They might even find themselves at risk for removal proceedings and deportation!
Permanent residents enjoy many privileges over tourists and immigrants:
- They can bring their immediate family members (spouse or minor children) to reside with them;
- They have access to security clearances for work purposes like export restrictions exemption from tax regulations on income earned abroad;
- Finally, there is an opportunity at hand if they wish to apply for government-sponsored financial aid that could lead towards higher education expenses without any fees charged by colleges/universities as well.
- They’re eligible for Social Security, supplementing their income through a program like SSI and Medicare.
You can apply for U.S citizenship, which means that you will be eligible to vote in elections and hold public office. You’ll also enjoy all the benefits of being an American citizen including access to federal employee benefits like health care insurance coverage or a retirement fund; protection under our laws against deportation- even if there’s past criminal activity involved with immigration status before safety net programs such as food stamps (now discontinued) and Temporary Protected Status program–allowing immigrants fleeing crisis regions overseas to stay legally until their asylum claims are processed.
Perks of Being a U.S. Citizen
People can become US citizens by birth in the United States, through naturalization or citizen parents. To apply for citizenship after obtaining permanent resident status is a very simple process that only requires an application and interview with immigration officers at any local USCIS office near you!
A U.S citizen is someone who has a permanent right to live in America, and they’re not subject to the grounds of deportability that affect green cardholders.
The only way former immigrants can take away your citizenship is if you committed fraud when obtaining it yourself- but at least now we know more than ever before: becoming an American means something!
Are You Looking for an Immigration Attorney You Can Trust?
An experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case for positive results. The process is complex – with federal regulations and procedures changing frequently – which can have a profound effect on applicants both financially and emotionally. An efficient way to get through this difficult time is by getting legal representation from an expert in immigration law like Gillespie Shields. We understand that everyone’s immigration situation is unique, and we’re committed to understanding the individual needs of our clients. Our skilled team of lawyers will research your case thoroughly in order to provide you with a range of options for success. We believe it’s important for our clients to know what steps are involved during each stage in the process, so if any concerns or questions arise along the way, we’ll be able to address them clearly and helpfully. Contact us today for your consultation!
Disclaimer
The materials available on this website are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this site without seeking legal or other professional advice. The information presented on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this website and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law.
People often think that a green card is the same as naturalization, but there are some differences. Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen and earning all of the rights and privileges that come with this status. The first step to getting your green card is obtaining permanent residency which can be done by applying for an employment visa, investing in a business, or marrying someone who’s already living here legally (a spouse).
While a naturalized US citizen will enjoy every right afforded by the Constitution, Green Card holders can only take advantage of their residency status to live in America temporarily. Having legal permission gives you more than just access- it means that for an appointed period of time or indefinitely as long they want with no limit on how long one wants to stay here permanently (unless Congress makes changes). Permanent residents continue being citizens from wherever else they come; however without any voting rights at all. A permanent resident’s immigration status can be jeopardized if they spend more than 6 months out of the country. They might even find themselves at risk for removal proceedings and deportation!
Permanent residents enjoy many privileges over tourists and immigrants:
- They can bring their immediate family members (spouse or minor children) to reside with them;
- They have access to security clearances for work purposes like export restrictions exemption from tax regulations on income earned abroad;
- Finally, there is an opportunity at hand if they wish to apply for government-sponsored financial aid that could lead towards higher education expenses without any fees charged by colleges/universities as well.
- They’re eligible for Social Security, supplementing their income through a program like SSI and Medicare.
You can apply for U.S citizenship, which means that you will be eligible to vote in elections and hold public office. You’ll also enjoy all the benefits of being an American citizen including access to federal employee benefits like health care insurance coverage or a retirement fund; protection under our laws against deportation- even if there’s past criminal activity involved with immigration status before safety net programs such as food stamps (now discontinued) and Temporary Protected Status program–allowing immigrants fleeing crisis regions overseas to stay legally until their asylum claims are processed.
Are You Looking for an Immigration Attorney You Can Trust?
An experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case for positive results. The process is complex – with federal regulations and procedures changing frequently – which can have a profound effect on applicants both financially and emotionally. An efficient way to get through this difficult time is by getting legal representation from an expert in immigration law like Gillespie Shields. We understand that everyone’s immigration situation is unique, and we’re committed to understanding the individual needs of our clients. Our skilled team of lawyers will research your case thoroughly in order to provide you with a range of options for success. We believe it’s important for our clients to know what steps are involved during each stage in the process, so if any concerns or questions arise along the way, we’ll be able to address them clearly and helpfully. Contact us today for your consultation!
Disclaimer
The materials available on this website are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content included in this site without seeking legal or other professional advice. The information presented on this website may not reflect the most current legal developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained on this website and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law.
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