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This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
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Many Differences Between A Permanent Resident and A Citizen
There are many differences between being a permanent resident and a citizen. But two main differences, according to Brad Bernstein, the Managing Partner of the Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, lay in voting and traveling.
As A Permanent Resident
For permanent residents, “you don’t get to control who rules you in America,” Brad Bernstein said. “You [permanent residents] don’t get to vote in federal or state elections… So, you are being ruled by somebody, such as the president, and you don’t have a say in how you are ruled.”
Secondly, as a permanent resident, you have to be in the US living permanently more often than somewhere else.
“This means that a permanent resident has to be living in the US for up to 6 months every year to maintain that status.” Additionally, when a permanent resident travels outside the US, he/she must carry their home country’s passport and he/she must reenter the US with his/her green card.
As A Citizen
However, as a citizen, you can be outside the US and travel outside the US for as long as you want.
Read More on US Citizenship Criteria
Other discrepancies between permanent residency and citizenship status include the wait time when bringing family members over to the US to join you.
Read More on Why I-130 Petitions are Taking Longer Under the Trump Administration
To find out more of your rights as a permanent resident, contact the Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein for an immigration attorney at 1-800-529-5465. Attorney Advertisement. Prior successful results do not guarantee a similar outcome.