Short answer
A US citizen has citizenship and can vote in federal elections and seek a US passport. A lawful permanent resident holds a green card and can generally live and work in the United States, but remains a noncitizen and cannot vote in federal elections. Permanent residence is not automatic citizenship. 1 2
A permanent resident can later become a citizen if eligible and naturalized, but the two statuses confer different rights.
On this page
At a glance
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| Question | US citizen | Lawful permanent resident |
|---|---|---|
| Status | US citizenship | Noncitizen lawful permanent residence |
| Federal voting | Eligible if other voting requirements met | Not eligible |
| US passport | May apply | Does not qualify based only on green card |
The table summarizes the cited definitions and the article’s stated scope. 1 2
What each thing is
US citizen. A person with US citizenship, acquired at birth or through a qualifying naturalization process. 1
Lawful permanent resident. A noncitizen authorized to live and work permanently in the United States, subject to immigration law. 2
Key differences
The statuses have important different legal consequences beyond residence. Citizens have national membership; permanent residents have durable permission to live and work, with obligations to maintain that status. Becoming a citizen generally requires a separate legal process for a qualifying resident. 1 2
How to tell them apart
Check the person’s formal status rather than years lived in the country. A green card establishes permanent residence, not citizenship. A US passport or citizenship certificate can document citizenship; requirements for particular benefits or travel should be checked with USCIS and relevant agencies. 1 2
Where they overlap
Both may live, work and pay taxes in the United States. Permanent residents can be on a path to naturalization and may share many day-to-day responsibilities with citizens. 1 2
Edge cases
Citizenship can arise at birth as well as through naturalization. Some local voting rules differ, so the clear federal-election distinction should not be overgeneralized to every jurisdiction. Immigration consequences depend on individual facts. 1 2
Why the distinction exists
US law separates permission to reside from membership in the political community. Different documents, eligibility rules and civic rights follow from that separation. 1 2
Common misconceptions
A green card is not a US passport or proof of citizenship, even if its holder has lived in the country for decades. 1 2
Examples
A lawful permanent resident works in the US and renews or maintains their status; after meeting naturalization requirements, that person may become a citizen and gain federal voting eligibility. 1 2
Sources
Sources checked October 3, 2026.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities. Rights and responsibilities.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — Rights and Responsibilities of a Green Card Holder. Rights and responsibilities.