Is Getting American Citizenship Worth It? Differences Between Permanent Residence vs. US Citizenship

Explore the key differences between permanent residence and U.S. citizenship, including rights, responsibilities, and application processes. Discover how Alvva can simplify your journey to living the American dream.

Deciding between renewing a Green Card vs applying for U.S. citizenship is a pivotal moment for many immigrants in the United States. This choice not only defines the legal framework of their stay in the country but also shapes their integration into American society and their participation in the country's democratic processes.

In this article, we'll break down the fundamental differences between being a permanent resident and a U.S. citizen, exploring everything from rights and responsibilities to specific processes for each status. Additionally, we'll highlight how Alvva can serve as an essential resource, offering guidance and assistance at every step of the journey toward achieving your immigration goals in the United States.

Permanent Residence (Green Card)

The Green Card or Permanent Resident Card is a document issued by the U.S. government that allows non-citizens to live and work legally in the country indefinitely. It's a crucial step for those seeking to establish permanent residency in the United States and can be the first step toward obtaining U.S. citizenship.

Rights and Limitations

Permanent residents have the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely, and access certain social benefits. However, they are subject to certain restrictions:

• Voting: Permanent residents cannot participate in federal, state, or local elections.
• Green Card Renewal: Although permanent residency status is, as the name suggests, permanent, the card itself must be renewed every ten years. The Green Card renewal fee ranges from $415-465.
• Deportation: Certain crimes and law violations can result in the deportation of a permanent resident.
• Travel Restrictions: Spending too much time outside the United States may lead to the presumption of abandonment of permanent residency.

Renewing a Green Card with Alvva

Alvva can assist in preparing and filing an application for a Green Card renewal or replacement, offering guidance through each step of the process. This includes gathering and reviewing documents, preparing the application, and supporting during the interview process until you receive your new Green Card.

Alvva's fees for these services is $295, which is usually more affordable when compared to directly hiring an immigration attorney.

U.S. Citizenship

U.S. citizenship is the legal status that grants a person all the rights and responsibilities of being a member of American society. This status can be acquired by birth within U.S. territory, by birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents, or by naturalization, which is a process for permanent residents who meet certain requirements.

Currently, Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, has a fee of $710 if submitted online or $765 by mail. However, the fee for the N-400 can be reduced to $380 if your documented annual income is no more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These costs, even if you don’t qualify for the reduced fee, are less than the fees for renewing a Green Card. Therefore, we recommend considering a citizenship application if you are planning to live in the United States for many years.

Benefits of Citizenship

In addition to all the rights granted to permanent residents, U.S. citizenship provides:

• Right to Vote: One of the most significant differences is the right to vote in all elections.
• U.S. Passport: Allows for easier travel between countries and offers protection abroad.
• Protection Against Deportation: Once a citizen, you cannot be deported to another country.
• Family Sponsorship: Citizens can sponsor a broader range of relatives to join them in the U.S.
• Federal Jobs: Only citizens can access certain government jobs.

Naturalization Process and Costs

The naturalization process in the U.S. includes several steps, such as having a Green Card for a specific period (usually 5 years or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), demonstrating good moral character, having a basic knowledge of English and U.S. history and government, and passing a naturalization interview. Additionally, applicants must complete and submit Form N-400, pay the corresponding fees, and attend a swearing-in ceremony if their application is approved.

Alvva can provide assistance with the naturalization process, including completing forms and submitting evidence in the correct way, and support throughout the entire process. Alvva's assistance can be especially valuable in ensuring all documents are correctly submitted and preparing the applicant for the naturalization interview.

Both permanent residence and U.S. citizenship offer valuable paths for those seeking to make the United States their long-term home. Each comes with its own sets of rights, responsibilities, and obtaining processes. Alvva positions itself as a valuable resource to navigate these processes, offering affordable and personalized services to assist immigrants on their path to permanent residence or citizenship. Contact us to start your process now.