Green card is a term that refers to the document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as evidence of an individual’s permanent residency in the United States. It allows the holder to live and work in the country for an indefinite period, as long as they comply with the terms and conditions of their visa.
Many people confuse green card holders with US citizens, but there are significant differences between the two categories. In this article, we will explore the rights and responsibilities of green card holders, and whether they are considered US citizens.
What is a Green Card?
A green card, formally known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document that proves an individual’s status as a lawful permanent resident of the United States. It is issued to immigrants who have been granted legal permanent residency in the country.
There are several ways to obtain a green card, including family-based sponsorship, employment-based sponsorship, refugee or asylum status, and the Diversity Visa lottery program. Once a person has a green card, they are authorized to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis, and can travel freely in and out of the country.
Rights and Responsibilities of Green Card Holders:
Green card holders enjoy many of the same rights and privileges as US citizens. They can work legally in the United States, own property, and pay taxes like any other resident. They are also entitled to certain government benefits such as Social Security and Medicare, although some restrictions may apply.
However, green card holders are not eligible to vote in federal elections, serve on juries, or hold certain public offices. They also have to maintain their permanent residency status by meeting certain criteria, such as not leaving the country for extended periods of time and not committing certain crimes.
Are Green Card Holders Considered US Citizens?
No, green card holders are not considered US citizens. While they have many of the same rights and privileges as citizens, they are still considered aliens under US immigration law. Citizenship is a separate legal status that is granted only to those who meet certain criteria, such as being born in the United States or being naturalized.
To become a US citizen, green card holders must go through a process known as naturalization. This involves meeting certain eligibility requirements, such as being at least 18 years old, having lived in the United States for a certain amount of time, and passing a citizenship test. Once they have been naturalized, they are entitled to all the rights and privileges of US citizenship, including the right to vote and hold public office.
Conclusion:
Green card holders are not US citizens, but they do enjoy many of the same rights and privileges. They are authorized to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis, and can travel freely in and out of the country. However, they are still considered aliens under US immigration law, and do not have the right to vote or hold certain public offices.
If a green card holder wishes to become a US citizen, they must go through the naturalization process. This involves meeting certain eligibility requirements and passing a citizenship test. Once they have been naturalized, they are entitled to all the rights and privileges of US citizenship.
