Permanent residents (green card holders) have the right to live and work in the United States and to be protected by the laws of the United States. Beyond that, green card holders do not enjoy the many other benefits that come with gaining U.S. Citizenship.
1. Lower estate taxes
Generally, the U.S. federal government taxes the total net worth of the worldwide estate. Foreign individuals only receive a federal estate tax exemption for $60,000 of their total international estate. U.S. Citizens enjoy an estate tax exemption of $5.45 million per person.
2. Voting rights
U.S. Citizens have the right to vote in elections for public office. This includes every type of public election, including the United States presidential election.
3. Can be elected to public office
Citizens of the United States may also run for elected office. This includes almost every type of public election, including but not limited to City Council, Mayor, Governor, or even U.S. Representative or Senator. Only Natural-born U.S. Citizens may run for president.
4. Right to apply for federal employment
Some, but not all, federal employment positions requires U.S. citizenship. Naturalized citizens enjoy the right to apply for these types of employment.
5. Can’t be deported
While green card holders technically have the right to live in the United States, that right may be revoked for a number of reasons, like tax evasion or triple felony convictions. U.S. Citizens have the right to live in the United States, and that right may not be revoked for any reason.
