U.S. Citizen's vs. Green Card Holders Rights

The rights and privileges of Green Card holders (permanent residents) and U.S. citizens (USCs) differ in several key areas:

Rights of Green Card Holders (Permanent Residents):

1. Work Authorization: Can work for any employer in the U.S. without needing additional work permits.

2. Residency: Can live anywhere in the U.S.

3. Travel: Can travel outside the U.S., but extended absences may affect their residency status.

4. Property Ownership: Can buy and own property in the U.S.

5. Education: Eligible for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities and may qualify for some federal student aid.

6. Social Security and Medicare: Eligible for benefits after working for a certain period and paying into the system.

7. Protection Under the Law: Entitled to most legal protections and rights under U.S. law.

8. Family Sponsorship: Can sponsor certain family members for Green Cards (spouse and unmarried children).

Limitations of Green Card Holders:

1. Voting Rights: Cannot vote in federal elections and generally cannot vote in state and local elections.

2. Running for Office: Cannot run for most elected offices.

3. Jury Duty: Generally not eligible to serve on federal juries.

4. Citizenship: Cannot obtain a U.S. passport.

5. Deportation Risk: Can be deported if they commit certain crimes or violate immigration laws.

6. Extended Travel: Prolonged trips outside the U.S. may result in loss of permanent residency status.

7. Federal Employment: Restricted from certain federal jobs that require U.S. citizenship.

Rights of U.S. Citizens:

1. Work Authorization: No restrictions on employment; eligible for all jobs, including federal positions requiring security clearance.

2. Residency: Can live and work anywhere in the U.S. and abroad without risking their citizenship.

3. Voting Rights: Can vote in all federal, state, and local elections.

4. Running for Office: Eligible to run for public office, including President (if a natural-born citizen).

5. Jury Duty: Eligible to serve on federal, state, and local juries.

6. Travel: Can obtain a U.S. passport and receive assistance from U.S. embassies and consulates while abroad.

7. Protection Under the Law: Full protection of U.S. laws and rights.

8. Family Sponsorship: Can sponsor a broader range of family members for Green Cards, including parents, siblings, and married children.

9. Social Security and Medicare: Eligible for benefits after paying into the system, with no additional residency requirements.

Key Differences:

1. Political Rights: Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections, run for federal office, and serve on federal juries.

2. Travel and Residency: Citizens have more freedom to travel and reside abroad without affecting their status.

3. Deportation: U.S. citizens cannot be deported; Green Card holders can be deported for certain violations.

4. Family Sponsorship: Citizens can sponsor more categories of family members for immigration.

5. Federal Jobs: Certain federal jobs are only open to U.S. citizens, especially those requiring security clearance.

Understanding these differences is crucial for Green Card holders considering U.S. citizenship and for anyone involved in immigration and employment law.