We explain the difference between citizen and permanent resident with table. Many people use the terms citizen and permanent resident interchangeably. But if you look closely at the states, you will notice a fundamentally important difference.
So the difference between a citizen and a permanent resident is that citizens can leave and re-enter the country without any restrictions, while a permanent resident may need a re-entry permit.
Having the status of Permanent Resident legally grants you an indefinite stay in the country. citizen and permanent resident
But they have some limitations compared to the citizens of the country. If you leave the country for more than one year, you may be placed in removal proceedings and may risk deportation.
Citizens are those who are born in the country or either parent is from that country, the child obtains citizenship. They have the right to obtain a passport and vote. citizen and permanent resident
Comparison table between citizen and permanent resident (in tabular form)
Permanent resident citizen comparison parameter
| Character | He was born in the country and has all kinds of rights and freedom to live and work independently. | A permanent resident can live in the country for an indefinite period with some restrictions. |
| Right to vote | Citizens have the right to vote and elect the leaders of their country. | A permanent resident does not have the right to vote. |
| Liberty | As a citizen of the country, you can leave and re-enter the country whenever you want with your passport. | But a permanent resident does not have a passport and needs a re-entry permit. |
| Abandonment | You cannot be abandoned unless you commit a serious crime. citizen and permanent resident | You can be deported from the country for any misstep, even if you stay out of the country for more than a year. |
| Family | If you are a citizen of the country, your family members are automatically granted citizenship rights. | You need special permission from the authorities to bring your family members if you are the only source of income for the family. |
Who is a citizen?
Citizenship refers to a person’s commitment to the government in exchange for its auspices at home and abroad. By birth, a person officially meets the criteria required to be a citizen.
As a citizen, you have certain benefits and responsibilities to fulfill. At the same time, you must take into account not to violate any law that leads to inadmissibility.
Benefits you have as a citizen –
- You have political rights, including the right to vote, hold public office, and civil liberties.
- Protection against deportation
- Citizenship of family members
- Eligibility for all government jobs
- Freedom to travel
- You can get a passport.
- You can become a permanent resident in any other country for less than 5 years.
Responsibilities as a citizen –
- You must obey and abide by federal, state, and local laws.
- You must pay taxes to your government.
- You are not allowed to do any criminal work against the country. citizen and permanent resident
- Serve on a jury
- Participate in community works.
- Register with the selective service.
Who is a permanent resident?
Permanent residence is the resident status of a person in a country. They are not considered citizens but have the right to reside permanently indefinitely. citizen and permanent resident
A permanent resident remains a citizen of another country. Therefore, whenever you travel, you will need to carry that country’s passport and green card as well.
Limitations as a permanent resident –
- You do not have the right to vote or other electoral rights.
- You cannot stay out of the country for more than one year, this will result in inadmissibility.
- If you commit certain crimes or violate security laws, you will be deported from the country.
- You cannot apply for government jobs
- You have to pay a higher tax rate.
Benefits of being a permanent resident –
- You do not need to change your current nationality and renew your green card if necessary.
- You can work freely without worrying about the jury and selective service. citizen and permanent resident
The most important benefit of a permanent resident is that if you show good moral character and comply with the laws, you can apply for citizenship and passport after 5 years of your stay. Permanent resident
Main differences between citizen and permanent resident
The key differences between these two terms are listed below:
- Citizens are the people who live in the country by birth, while the permanent resident is a legal person that resides in the country for a specified time with some special permission.
- You are allowed to travel freely with the passport, but a permanent resident must carry both the original passport and the green card. In addition, staying more than a year outside the country leads to abandonment.
- As a citizen you have to pay taxes as well as attend the jury, selective service, community works. But a permanent resident is free from all these assignments. citizen and permanent resident
- Citizens have the right to vote and elect public officials and civil liberties. But it is not applicable for permanent residents.
- Citizens can apply for any job, especially government jobs, but permanent residents cannot.
Final Thought
So which one do you think is the most suitable for you, citizen or permanent resident? Always make sure both terms relate to liability and that they expect you to comply with the laws at no cost. citizen and permanent resident
Therefore, keeping a green card can be a smarter method by which you can maintain your original nationality and renew your residence to work.
Although citizenship provides protection to your assets that is not available as a permanent resident.
So now you have a clear concept of these two social terms. Choose wisely!
