What's the difference between an American green card and an immigrant?

When you say immigrants, you mean people who have been naturalized in the United States, that is, become American citizens.

A green card means having legal or permanent residency in the United States. He is still a foreigner, not an American (citizen).

Many people think that American permanent residents (green cards) have the same rights as citizens except voting rights. This view is not comprehensive. In the United States, American citizens have the following advantages over green cards:

1. A citizen passport is better than a green card. Because the United States and many countries have visa-free agreements, it is more convenient to travel to other countries with American passports, and it will also receive more protection from local countries and embassies and consulates. Of course, this situation will be counterproductive in some parts of Arabia.

2. American citizens can apply for immigration for their parents, brothers and sisters when they are adults; Not a permanent resident.

American citizens enjoy more full political rights and personal protection. Citizens who live overseas all their lives will not lose their identity. However, green card holders should not stay overseas for too long, generally not more than one or two years, otherwise they may lose their permanent resident status. Citizens will not be deported even if they violate the law, but green card holders have no such exemption.

4. American citizens are more favorable in applying for social welfare conditions such as pensions and relief funds. If the green card holder leaves the country for more than six months, his pension may be suspended. If deported, the pension will be cancelled. American citizens have no such worries.

American citizens have more employment opportunities. Many sensitive departments and key positions, such as official military affairs, national defense diplomacy, high-tech and core laboratories, strictly restrict citizens' access. Low-level positions such as prison guards and patrol police are also citizens' priority.

In the procedure of American immigration law, permanent residents can generally apply for naturalization as American citizens after holding a green card for five years. If you are the spouse of an American citizen, you can apply for naturalization if you have held a green card for 3 years and have maintained a marriage relationship.

Individuals applying for naturalization must provide evidence of continuous residence in the United States and have lived for at least two and a half years within five years of obtaining legal resident status. If they have lived outside the United States for more than one year, they do not meet the requirements of continuous residence. Applicants should also show that they have a good moral character, and any false record may lead to the loss of citizenship.

At the time of naturalization, the applicant must swear to give up all loyalty to the country of origin; Support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States; Swear allegiance to the United States; Actively serve the United States when necessary. At the same time, citizens also have the obligation to serve as jury members, register and vote.

Therefore, American citizens enjoy more comprehensive and full rights than American green card holders.