DIFFERENCE BETWEEN U.S. GREEN CARD AND U.S. CITIZENSHIP

U.S. citizenship and Green Card are the dream of many investors when planning to immigrate to the U.S and both of them offer great opportunities to enjoy the rights of U.S. citizens. However, many investors are often confused about these two concepts.

Concept of US citizenship and green card

What is US citizenship?

U.S. citizenship is the legal relationship between an individual and the U.S. government. The rights and obligations of citizens are established by government law. The person who holds US citizenship will be recognized as official citizens, enjoy the full benefits set forth by the government, and enjoy welfare policies only for U.S. citizens.

In short, obtaining U.S. citizenship means becoming an American citizen.

What is a U.S. Green Card?

A green card is a permanent residence certificate or immigration document for foreign nationals living in the United States. In other words, a green card is a permanent resident card and its holders will enjoy the benefits of permanent residents.

In addition, permanent residents are still legal citizens of the United States. However, they will not be issued a US passport and have no right to vote. If the investor leaves the United States for about a year, they may be deported or deprived of permanent residency.

Attractive benefits of obtaining a U.S. green card

The investor will derive the benefits according to regulations when holding a green card, which not only helps to stabilize the settlement but also offers attractive benefits.

The first right is the freedom of movement and living anywhere in the United States. Investors can legally own assets such as houses, cars and special properties. Further, investors will receive financial support from the government and many educational benefits will be offered their children. Specifically, tuition fees from primary to high school are free for public education, university fees are only 40% of tuition fees compared to international students. Above all, investors can travel to many countries without visa application. However, the approval process is also extremely simple and fast in case visa being required.

Investors have equal opportunity to work and apply for job at any U.S. company. They moreover have the freedom of conducting business, being eligible for subsidies from the U.S. government, and being exempted from export restrictions as well.

Great benefits of U.S. Citizenship 

Investors will become an American citizen when having U.S. citizenship. They will fully enjoy the benefits prescribed by the government and welfare policies only for U.S. citizens.

Save on green card renewal fee

After 10 years of owning a green card, the investor must file an I-94 petition to continue renewing it. This will take a lot of fees if the investor intends to live for a long time. They will pay a renewal fee and renew their card every 10 years. For U.S. citizenship, investors only pay once for one application and it will be guaranteed forever. The cost to apply for citizenship is also insignificant.

Safety is assured

Despite holding a green card which will be allowed to settle and live for a long time. However, with just a few mistakes or negligence in violation of one of the regulations, investors can be deported from the U.S. When becoming a U.S. citizen, they will be better protected and guaranteed. For serious crimes, the highest penalty for American citizen is imprisonment, and they will not be deported from the U.S.

Opportunity to receive attractive scholarships and grants

The United States is well-known for having the world’s leading education and healthcare system. Holding US citizenship, investors will have access to outstanding education. U.S. citizens are eligible for government-funded study grants, permanent residents are not. Especially, attractive scholarship packages require US citizens.

Family immigration to the U.S.

Investors are allowed to sponsor their family to come to the U.S. with US citizenship. The processing time will be shorter than one of the green card and their children born in the U.S. will be granted US citizenship as well.

CONCLUSION – U.S. citizenship

U.S. citizenship or green card both have its own advantages depending on the investors’ needs. However, U.S. citizenship will provide long-term benefits, and it itself is the dream and goal of many investors.

Portico & Bridge is an immigration and settlement consulting group with more than 35 years of experience and a team of more than 50 reputable experts worldwide. Please contact us for full support and further information about the EB-5 citizenship program.

Call us now at 0909.898.758

At PORTICO & BRIDGE, “Your Children, We Care”.