Many people are unaware of the differences between a U.S. passport and a Green Card. Below, we introduce the distinctions between the two.
U.S. Passport
Holding a U.S. passport signifies that one is a U.S. citizen and holds U.S. nationality, enjoying all rights afforded to U.S. citizens, including the right to vote and the right to be elected. Even if one does not reside in the United States for their entire life, they can retain their U.S. nationality. If a U.S. citizen does not have a passport (e.g., it is stolen) but can prove their U.S. nationality through other means (e.g., by providing relevant personal identification information), they are entitled to consular protection and the right to enter the United States as a citizen, just as if they had a passport.
U.S. Green Card
A U.S. Green Card is a United States Permanent Resident Card, an identity document used to prove that a foreign national has "permanent resident status" within the United States. It signifies that one is a permanent resident, not a U.S. citizen. If one does not reside in the United States for an extended period, this Green Card may be lost. According to U.S. nationality and immigration law, Green Card holders are foreign nationals who do not possess U.S. nationality or citizenship. However, they generally enjoy the same treatment as U.S. citizens within the United States, with the exception of the right to vote and the right to be elected.
For those immigrating to the U.S. through investment, obtaining a Green Card provides most of the rights and benefits of a U.S. citizen. Compared to citizens holding a U.S. passport, the primary difference for permanent residents holding a Green Card is the lack of the right to vote and the right to be elected. Additionally, there are the following differences:
1. U.S. citizens holding a U.S. passport have no restrictions on the duration of their stay abroad, whereas permanent residents holding a U.S. Green Card who leave the United States for more than one year are considered to have automatically abandoned their intent to reside permanently, and the Green Card will become invalid;
2. U.S. citizens holding a U.S. passport cannot be deported even if they commit a crime, whereas permanent residents do not have this immunity;
3. U.S. citizens have more employment opportunities, as many sensitive departments and key positions, such as official military affairs, high-end technology, and core laboratories, are restricted to citizens;
4. If a U.S. permanent resident leaves the country for more than six months, their pension payments may be terminated. If they are deported, their pension will be cancelled. U.S. citizens do not have these concerns;
5. When living or traveling abroad, holders of a U.S. passport are protected by U.S. consulates. In the event of political instability or a major disaster, U.S. citizens are entitled to priority evacuation under the protection of the U.S. government.