Permanent residency (green card) and US citizenship represent major milestones in the immigration journey, but they offer distinct rights and obligations.
A green card grants lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, allowing you to live and work indefinitely in the US, sponsor certain family members, and travel abroad with reentry permits. However, it can be revoked for crimes, long absences (over 6-12 months), or abandonment, and LPRs must renew their card every 10 years while paying taxes on global income.
US citizenship, obtained via naturalization after 3-5 years as an LPR (depending on marriage to a US citizen), provides full protections: voting rights, passport access for visa-free travel to 180+ countries, eligibility for federal jobs, and no deportation risk. Citizens can sponsor more relatives without limits and pass citizenship to children abroad automatically. The process involves passing an English/civics test, a good moral character review, and an oath—currently with processing times of 6-12 months in NJ.
For NJ families seeking lasting security amid 2025 policy changes, citizenship builds your legacy. Contact the Law Office of Abhisha Parikh for a personalized immigration roadmap today.
Sign in to leave a comment.