Confused between permanent resident and citizen: what’s the difference?

It is not uncommon for people to mix up the terms permanent resident and US citizen. However, there exists a distinct difference between the two immigration statuses. Immigration lawyers explain what these differences are and what benefits and restrictions holders of permanent residencies and US citizenship are subjected to.

Lawful Permanent Resident

When you hear of someone being issued a green card or applying for a green card, it essentially means that he or she is talking about becoming a lawful permanent resident or LPR of the United States. Someone that is issued a green card is deemed a permanent lawful resident and thereby has the right to live in the United States indefinitely.

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Furthermore, a permanent resident of the United States can also work in the country as an inherent provision of the green card. Immigration attorneys tell us that work permits or work visas are different in the sense that the holder of a work visa is only admitted for a certain period of time and do not enjoy the right to live in the United States indefinitely.

A green card at the end of the day is a tangible photo identity card and serves as proof that the holder is a permanent resident of the United States. Legal experts caution that a run in with law enforcement or criminal activity can lead to the loss of LPR status and possible deportation.

Apart from being allowed to work in the United States, green card holders can also petition for their spouses and children to also be issued green cards and live with them in the United States. Immigration lawyers say that such family members are termed as preferential relatives and there is limit on how many of this type of visas can be issued by the country on an annual basis. For the most part, the waiting period is often overwhelmingly long.

Another aspect you should note about being a permanent resident is the fact that a permanent resident will continue to be the citizen of their country of origin/birth and so will be required to maintain the validity of that passport and must also ensure to carry it along with them anytime they travel out of the United States.

In case the holder leaves the country with the intention of making a home elsewhere, then his or her green card will be voided and their residence will be considered abandoned property. Immigration lawyers reiterate that this is especially a problem when people are out of the country for a period longer than six months.

US Citizen

If you have held a green card for at least five years, you may be eligible to become a US citizen if you wish to. To understand the process, the benefits and how to become an American citizen, it would be wise to consult an immigration lawyer who has helped others achieve US citizenship status in the past. Not Sister Ping!

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