Regarding the difference between a U.S. Green Card and immigration, many applicants often confuse the three concepts of U.S. immigration, U.S. Green Card, and U.S. citizenship. In fact, while there is a certain connection between them, the differences are significant. The following will focus on the distinctions between U.S. immigration, a Green Card, and U.S. citizenship to provide applicants with greater clarity.
First, a U.S. Green Card and U.S. immigration are integrated and cannot be separated. A Green Card is proof of an immigrant's residency, equivalent to a residence permit or temporary residence permit for an immigrant in the United States. Having a Green Card means you are an immigrant, qualified to reside, live, work, and invest in the United States, and you can travel freely between China and the United States without needing to apply for a visa. A Green Card is superior to a domestic temporary residence permit in that obtaining a U.S. Green Card allows you to enjoy local benefits, such as free insurance and medical treatment, which is relatively more humane.
Second, a U.S. citizen is a person who holds U.S. nationality. Their scope of rights is much broader than that of a U.S. Green Card holder; they not only have the right to reside but also the right to vote and the right to be elected. Many people therefore assume that the only difference between a U.S. Green Card holder and a U.S. citizen is the right to vote and be elected, and that other aspects, such as benefits, are the same as those for locals. In fact, this view is incorrect, or at the very least, one-sided.
Compared to a U.S. Green Card as a permanent resident, U.S. citizenship mainly differs in the following points:
1. Different passports;
2. Different political rights;
3. Different residency restrictions;
4. Different economic rights (including employment rights and benefits).
It can be said that a Green Card is the identity proof of a U.S. immigrant; without a Green Card, U.S. immigration would not have much significance. Furthermore, the prerequisite for applying for U.S. citizenship is being a U.S. immigrant who holds a U.S. Green Card. Only after meeting certain application requirements can one be naturalized in the United States, thereby becoming a U.S. citizen and holding a U.S. passport.
