For many permanent residents and soon-to-be permanent residents in the US, the ultimate goal is to become US citizens from green card holders! With a US green card, an individual can become a naturalized US citizen and reside and work in the country.
The US government issues over a million green cards each year. Three groups are typically granted permanent resident status: those renewing their green card after having one, relatives of US citizens or permanent residents, and foreign workers in the US on job visas.
This guide looks at the process of becoming an American citizen after obtaining a US green card and the numerous benefits of a US green card.
What is a Green Card?
The US government issues documents called “green cards,” also called “permanent resident cards,” which confer permanent resident status on their bearers.
With this status, a person can live and work in the US indefinitely and become a citizen after fulfilling specific requirements, usually three to five years.
Benefits of a Green Card
You cannot be deported to your country of origin: Regardless of future modifications to US immigration regulations, green card holders are still considered permanent residents.
If immigration regulations change, a green card is permanent and cannot be withdrawn. However, if a person holds a green card and commits a crime, breaks the law, or does anything that could lead to deportation, they risk losing their status.
You can sponsor other family members for a green card: Families of permanent residents are prioritized but to a different extent than US citizens’ families. Spouses and children who are not married are considered eligible family members.
You can travel to and from the US more quickly than other visa holders: Permanent residents can travel abroad and re-enter the United States with a valid green card if they return within 12 months.
You can travel or live anywhere within the United States. State borders are not limited, and there is no need to check in with civil or state government agencies.
You can receive federal benefits: Government-sponsored educational financial aid applications are open to permanent residents. Furthermore, several colleges and institutions grant green card holders the benefit of in-state or resident tuition rates.
A person with a green card may be eligible for social security benefits if they stay in the country for a long time.
You may apply for various jobs: Those with green cards have access to more fantastic employment prospects than those with work visas. For example, permanent residents can apply for government and security clearance-related jobs.
You can engage in the political process: Every level of politics, from the president to the local council member, can impact American life. During US elections, holders of green cards can volunteer or donate money to support the candidate of their choice.
Responsibilities of Having a Green Card
- Green card holders must disclose income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state tax authorities, just like US citizens are. They also need to file income tax forms.
- Holders of green cards are subject to municipal, state, and federal laws as well as those of the United States.
- The Selective Service must be registered by male green card holders between 18 and 25. (Note that there hasn’t been a draft in the US since 1973.)
- Holders of green cards must always carry a valid green card. A person without a green card may spend up to 30 days in jail.
- Like US citizens, holders of green cards are not allowed to use illegal methods to try and alter the government structure.
Limitations of the US Green Card
- Voting rights are not granted to those who hold green cards.
- Compared to US citizens, holders of green cards are less likely to sponsor extended family members for green cards.
- Children born outside of the United States do not automatically receive green cards, which are not transferrable.
- A person with a green card cannot run for public office.
- US passports are not issued to holders of green cards.
- Like US citizens who relinquish citizenship, green card holders who leave the country permanently after eight years or more are liable to expulsion and exit taxes.
- Green card holders are not guaranteed protection from deportation. However, they will be shielded from deportation if the US immigration law changes.
- Every ten years, green cards need to be renewed.
How to Become a Naturalized US Citizen After Your Green Card
Obtaining lawful permanent resident status may only sometimes lead to instantaneous US citizenship. Usually, you have to wait a few years to be able to petition for citizenship.
A green cardholder can become an American citizen in several ways, such as naturalization, recent marriage to a US citizen, parenthood, or active duty in the armed forces.
Whatever path you decide on, it’s critical to comprehend the prerequisites and ensure your application is completed accurately.
Naturalization Application
Permanent residents who wish to change their immigration status and become citizens of the United States must submit Form N-400, an application for naturalization.
The Form N-400 application can be submitted online or by mail to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Biometrics Appointment
The next step is to make an appointment for biometrics. Typically, the interview involves obtaining fingerprints and additional biometric information from the USCIS.
Homeland Security and other organizations use biometric information to conduct background checks. The biometrics appointment occurs approximately one month after the USCIS receives your application.
Citizenship Interview and Exam
After submitting your application, you must wait over a year for the interview. It might be wise to wait and see how long the USCIS field office takes to process your application.
Usually, the USCIS field office collaborates with Homeland Security to confirm the details and corroborate the documentation you submitted. If you serve in the armed forces overseas, the interview will typically occur in a US embassy, consulate, or military installation.
You must take the civics and English examinations during your citizenship interview as part of the naturalization process. The immigration officer will approve your application to become a citizen of the United States if you pass both the exam and the interview.
In other instances, they may request additional documentation or set a date for a second interview. If you fail the interview and exam, you will receive a denial letter explaining why. Still, you get 30 days to appeal the decision and reapply.
Oath of Allegiance
To become a United States citizen, you must show up for the oath of allegiance ceremony once the USCIS official approves your application. After the interview, candidates often receive a notice from the USCIS with the venue, date, and time of the oath of allegiance ceremony.
After the ceremony, you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization and have returned your permanent resident card.
How Long Does it Take to Become a US Citizen?
Green card holders with no exceptional circumstances can only apply for US citizenship at least five years after obtaining a green card.
Out of those five years, an applicant must have physically lived in the US for at least 30 months (two-and-a-half years) or at least one and half years for a green card holder married to a US citizen.
However, several people with particular circumstances can apply for green cards before five years. They include the following:
- Widows or widowers of US citizens who died honorably serving in the armed forces can apply without waiting. No wait period requirement applies to them.
- Any US military member, with or without a green card during wartime service, can apply for US citizenship anytime.
- A green card holder with at least 1 year of peacetime military service can apply for citizenship while on active duty or within six months of being honorably discharged from the military.
- After three years of marriage, green card holders married to US citizens can apply for citizenship.