10 Things Delaware Families Wish They Knew About Green Cards and Citizenship
A Green Card and U.S. citizenship offer different rights, responsibilities, and long-term benefits. Understanding those differences can help Delaware families make informed decisions about their future.
One family member says, "You're already a permanent resident, so you're basically a citizen." Months later, they discover that one missed detail changes everything—from voting rights to sponsoring relatives.
That mix-up is more common than many Delaware families realize. A Green Card offers important benefits, but it does not provide the same legal rights or protections as U.S. citizenship.
If you're planning your family's future in 2026, understanding these differences matters. This guide breaks down the 10 areas that cause the most confusion, using current federal immigration rules so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Why This Confuses Many Families
Ask five people whether a Green Card is the same as U.S. citizenship, and you'll probably hear five different answers. That confusion often doesn't become obvious until a family faces an important immigration decision.
The numbers help explain why. The latest estimates from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shows that more than 9 million lawful permanent residents were already eligible to become U.S. citizens as of January 2023.
At the same time, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services processes hundreds of thousands of naturalization applications each year, but permanent residency and citizenship remain different legal statuses.
Difference 1: Legal Status
This is where the biggest misunderstanding begins. A Green Card lets someone live and work in the United States permanently, but it does not make that person a U.S. citizen.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines a Green Card holder as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who is authorized to reside permanently in the country. U.S. citizenship, however, is a separate legal status that comes only through birth or the naturalization process.
The difference matters because permanent residents must continue meeting immigration requirements to keep their status. Citizens do not hold their status through an immigration benefit, making citizenship the highest legal status available under U.S. immigration law.
Difference 2: Voting Rights
One of the clearest differences between a Green Card and U.S. citizenship is the right to vote. Many people assume paying taxes or living in the country for years automatically gives them that privilege, but it does not.
The U.S. government states that only U.S. citizens can vote in federal, state, and most local elections. Permanent residents, even those with valid Green Cards, are generally not eligible to register or vote until they become citizens.
Voting before becoming eligible can have serious consequences. That's why families in Delaware should always confirm their status before registering to vote, rather than assuming permanent residence and citizenship carry the same political rights.
Difference 3: U.S. Passport
A U.S. passport is another area where people often assume a Green Card provides the same benefit. It doesn't. Permanent residents travel with the passport issued by their country of citizenship, not a U.S. passport.
According to the U.S. Department of State, only U.S. citizens and U.S. non-citizen nationals are eligible to receive a U.S. passport. A Green Card alone does not qualify someone to apply for one.
That difference can affect international travel, consular assistance overseas, and proof of citizenship. For many Delaware families, obtaining a U.S. passport becomes one of the most practical benefits after completing the naturalization process.
Difference 4: Deportation Risk
Many people don't realize that a Green Card is still an immigration status. That means it can be lost under certain circumstances defined by federal law.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), lawful permanent residents may face removal proceedings for reasons such as certain criminal convictions, immigration fraud, or abandoning permanent residence.
For Delaware families, this distinction can have long-term consequences. Becoming a U.S. citizen generally provides stronger protection from deportation than remaining a lawful permanent resident, making naturalization an important step for many eligible immigrants.
Difference 5: Family Sponsorship
Bringing loved ones to the United States is another area where Green Card holders and U.S. citizens have different rights. Many families don't discover those differences until they begin filing immigration paperwork.
According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), lawful permanent residents can petition only for a spouse and unmarried children. U.S. citizens may also sponsor parents, married children, and siblings, provided they meet the legal requirements.
The U.S. Department of State's 2026 Visa Bulletin continues to show separate family preference categories with different waiting times, making citizenship a significant advantage for families planning future reunification.
Difference 6: Government Jobs
A Green Card allows someone to work in the United States, but it does not automatically open the door to every government position. Some federal jobs have stricter eligibility rules.
According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, most federal civil service jobs require U.S. citizenship, although a limited number of positions may be available to non-citizens when permitted by law or when qualified citizens are unavailable.
That means becoming a U.S. citizen can expand career opportunities, especially for roles involving national security, public trust, or federal agencies. For Delaware families thinking long term, citizenship provide access to jobs that permanent residents cannot apply for.
Difference 7: Jury Duty
Receiving a jury summons surprises many new citizens. Unlike Green Card holders, serving on a jury is generally considered a responsibility that comes with U.S. citizenship.
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The federal court system states that U.S. citizens aged 18 or older who meet residency and other legal requirements may be called for jury service. Lawful permanent residents are not eligible to serve on federal juries.
While jury duty may seem like an obligation, it is also one of the rights and responsibilities that comes with citizenship. For many Delaware families, it's another reminder that permanent residency and citizenship are not the same legal status.
Difference 8: Travel Rules
Traveling abroad is often easier after becoming a U.S. citizen. A Green Card holder can leave and return to the United States, but longer trips may raise questions about whether permanent residence has been maintained.
According to the USCIS, permanent residents who remain outside the United States for extended periods may face issues when reentering if their travel suggests they abandoned their U.S. residence.
U.S. citizens are not subject to those permanent residency requirements and travel using a U.S. passport. For Delaware families who frequently visit relatives overseas, understanding these rules can help prevent unexpected immigration problems.
Difference 9: Federal Benefits
Many families believe becoming a U.S. citizen automatically unlocks every federal benefit. In reality, eligibility depends on the specific program and federal law, not citizenship alone.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some federal benefits are available to eligible lawful permanent residents, while others have immigration status or waiting-period requirements. U.S. citizens generally have broader access to certain federal programs.
Because each benefit follows its own rules, families in Delaware should verify eligibility before applying. Understanding these differences can prevent delays and help ensure the correct immigration status is reported.
Difference 10: Keeping Your Status
Keeping a Green Card requires ongoing compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Many permanent residents don't realize that certain actions can put their status at risk even after living in the country for years.
The USCIS states that lawful permanent residents should renew an expiring Green Card, maintain U.S. residence, and avoid actions that could make them removable under immigration law.
Once a person becomes a U.S. citizen through naturalization, there is no Green Card to renew. For many Delaware families, citizenship provides greater long-term stability because it is not tied to maintaining permanent resident status.
Common Delaware Misunderstandings
Some Delaware families assume that living in the United States for many years automatically turns a Green Card into citizenship. Federal law does not work that way—eligible permanent residents must apply for naturalization and receive approval from USCIS.
Another common misconception is that paying taxes, owning a home, or holding a full-time job provides the same legal rights as citizenship. Those milestones are important, but they do not change a person's immigration status.
The safest approach is to verify your rights before making decisions about voting, sponsoring relatives, or traveling abroad. Relying on assumptions instead of current USCIS guidance can lead to avoidable immigration problems.
What Delaware Families Should Do
If you're unsure whether a Green Card or U.S. citizenship better fits your family's future, review your current immigration status before making decisions about travel, voting, or sponsoring relatives.
Quick Checklist
Confirm whether you are a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen.
Review your eligibility for naturalization through USCIS.
Check the latest travel and Green Card renewal requirements.
Verify voting eligibility before registering to vote.
Understand which family members you can legally sponsor.
Keep immigration documents accurate and up to date.
Where to Get Help
Use official resources from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for naturalization guidance, the U.S. Department of State for passport and visa information, and recognized nonprofit immigration legal service providers in Delaware if you need case-specific assistance.
The information on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative before making any immigration decisions.
Last Updated: [03 July 2026] — This article reflects information available as of [03 July 2026]. Policies may have changed. Check USCIS.gov for the most current guidance.
