India, Sept. 18 -- For Indians building a long-term life in the United States, getting a Green Card and becoming a US citizen are two different immigration milestones. A Green Card gives an Indian national lawful permanent resident status, allowing them to live permanently in the US, while citizenship brings additional rights and responsibilities, including the ability to vote in federal elections and hold a US passport.

The difference can matter especially for Indians who have spent years in the US on employment-based visas such as H-1B before obtaining permanent residence and later considering naturalization.

A Green Card holder is a lawful permanent resident, not a US citizen. USCIS says permanent residents can live and work permanen...