Green Card Vs. Citizenship
To work and live in the United States as permanent resident, foreign nationals have to apply for a green card or U.S. citizenship. While many are satisfied with the benefits a green card can provide, others want the full rights and liberties of being an American citizen.
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Permanence
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Green cards are issued as conditional or permanent. A conditional green card is valid for two years. Permanent green cards are valid for life, but the plastic card must be renewed every 10 years. Both types of green cards can be revoked.
U.S. citizenship is permanent and does not need to be renewed. Citizenship can also be revoked for several extenuating reasons, including treason and lying during the naturalization process.
Immigration Paths
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The most common ways to obtain a green card are marriage to a U.S. citizen, the diversity visa lottery or being sponsored by an employer or family member.
Immigrants must meet certain requirements before they are eligible for citizenship through naturalization. Most of the general paths to naturalization require a minimum of five years as a permanent resident.
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Rights
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Green card holders can work for most U.S. companies, start their own business, claim Social Security benefits and sponsor family members. Permanent residents can also leave and enter the country with their green cards.
A naturalized citizen has the full rights of an American citizen, including the right to vote and to possess an American passport.
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References
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