The difference between American citizenship and American green card

American citizenship and American green card are mainly different in purpose, application conditions and welfare benefits.

1, different uses

American citizenship means becoming an American citizen and enjoying all the rights of American citizens, including political rights. The American green card is equivalent to a foreigner's ID card to prove that he is a permanent resident of the United States.

2. Different application conditions

To apply for American citizenship, you must meet the following main conditions before you can get permission. After obtaining permanent residency (green card), you must have lived in the United States for five consecutive years. During the application for green card, a foreigner can apply for two important licenses, and the rights conferred by the two licenses are independent of any existing status granted to the foreigner.

3. Different welfare benefits

American citizenship is equivalent to becoming a legal citizen of the United States, and naturally has the right to vote and be elected. Green card holders have only obtained permanent residence status in the United States, equivalent to American residents, but cannot enjoy the right to vote and stand for election.

Methods of naturalization as American citizens

First, the principle of place of birth.

As long as a person is born in the United States, he can acquire American citizenship, thus acquiring American citizenship.

Second, the principle of descent.

American citizens are recognized as American citizens as long as they have lived in the United States for 65,438+00 years and lived in the United States for 5 years after the age of 65,438+04, even if their children were born in foreign countries.

Three. general rules

Foreigners who want to become American citizens must be at least 18 years old and have permanent residency for at least 5 years. If their spouse is an American citizen, they must hold a green card for at least 3 years.

Have basic English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, understand American history and government, and have no bad records. Then apply for USCIS, take the American naturalization test and interview, and you can get American citizenship.