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What are the Differences Between Being a Permanent Resident and a Citizen?
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Two important concepts in immigration law are the concepts of lawful permanent residency and citizenship. Citizenship is the end goal for many people who enter the United States. This is not an instant process. In order to eventually become a citizen, an individual must apply to begin the naturalization process and meet all eligibility requirements.
There are a number of differences between a lawful permanent resident and a citizen of the United States. An immigration lawyer can discuss these differences in detail with you and walk you through the steps of the naturalization process, from initially obtaining your green card to filling out your Application for Naturalization with you.
Eligibility for Permanent Resident Status
A lawful permanent resident is an individual who is permitted to remain in the United States indefinitely. These individuals hold documents known as green cards. To obtain a green card, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements depend on the individual’s circumstances, such as whether he or she is married to a US citizen, a refugee or individual seeking political asylum, an individual working in the United States, or a “special immigrant,” such as a religious worker or an international broadcaster.
Eligible individuals must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to obtain green cards. Green cards are valid for 10 years from their issue dates.
Lawful permanent residents can be deported if they are found guilty of certain crimes or if they fail to establish permanent residence in the United States. They also cannot vote in federal and local elections in the United States.
Eligibility for Citizenship
A lawful permanent resident can apply for citizenship if he or she meets the eligibility requirements for his or her circumstances.
Unlike lawful permanent residents, citizens can vote in elections, serve on juries, and hold certain government jobs. Citizens also cannot be deported from the country unless the court determines that they committed fraud in order to obtain their green cards or citizen status.
Other Differences Between Citizens and Permanent Residents
A citizen can petition for his or her family members to immigrate to the United States. Citizens can also us United States passports to travel to other countries, whereas lawful permanent residents, being citizens of other nations, must use passports for their home nations and carry their green cards when they travel to and from the United States.
Work with an Experienced Chicago Immigration Attorney
For many people, being a permanent resident of the United States comes before being a citizen. These are different stages of the naturalization process. If you are considering coming to the United States and beginning the naturalization process, or if you are already here and considering taking that next step, contact our team of immigration lawyers at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to set up your initial consultation in our office.
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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
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