American Citizen vs. Green Card

Attribute	American Citizen	Green Card
Right to vote	Yes	No
Right to work in any job	Yes	Yes
Right to live permanently in the US	Yes	Yes
Eligibility for federal jobs	Yes	No
Eligibility for federal benefits	Yes	No

Legal Status

One of the key differences between an American citizen and a green card holder is their legal status in the United States. American citizens have the right to live and work in the country indefinitely, and they can also vote in federal elections. On the other hand, green card holders have legal permanent residency in the U.S., but they are not considered citizens. This means that they do not have the right to vote in federal elections, and their residency status can be revoked if they commit certain crimes or fail to meet residency requirements.

Travel Restrictions

American citizens have the freedom to travel in and out of the United States without any restrictions. They can also travel to many countries around the world without needing a visa. Green card holders, on the other hand, have more restrictions when it comes to travel. They must maintain a residence in the U.S. and cannot be outside of the country for extended periods of time without risking their residency status. Additionally, they may need a visa to travel to certain countries that do not have visa waiver agreements with the U.S.

Employment Opportunities

American citizens have the right to work in any job in the United States without needing any special permissions. They can also apply for federal jobs that are only open to U.S. citizens. Green card holders, on the other hand, have more restrictions when it comes to employment. While they can work in any job that does not require U.S. citizenship, they may face limitations when it comes to certain government or security-related positions that require citizenship.

Benefits and Social Services

American citizens have access to a wide range of benefits and social services, including Medicare, Social Security, and federal financial aid for education. They are also eligible for certain government programs that are only available to citizens. Green card holders, on the other hand, have more limited access to benefits and social services. While they may be eligible for some programs, they are not eligible for others that are reserved for citizens.

Tax Obligations

American citizens are required to pay taxes on their worldwide income, regardless of where they live. They must file annual tax returns with the IRS, even if they are living abroad. Green card holders, on the other hand, are also required to pay taxes on their worldwide income, but they may have more flexibility when it comes to filing requirements if they are living outside of the U.S. for an extended period of time.

Citizenship and Naturalization

One of the biggest differences between American citizens and green card holders is the ability to become a citizen through naturalization. American citizens do not need to go through the naturalization process, as they are already citizens by birth or through their parents. Green card holders, on the other hand, have the option to apply for citizenship through naturalization after meeting certain residency and other requirements. This process can take several years to complete.

Conclusion

In conclusion, American citizens and green card holders have different rights and responsibilities when it comes to living in the United States. While American citizens have more freedoms and benefits, green card holders also have certain privileges as legal permanent residents. Both statuses come with their own set of advantages and limitations, and individuals should carefully consider their options before deciding on the best path for their future in the U.S.