Final answer:
Legal non-citizens in the United States, like citizens, are protected under the Fourteenth Amendment and enjoy many of the same rights. Both can live and work anywhere in the country, access public education, and may join the armed forces. The main differences lie in the ineligibility of non-citizens to vote or hold public office.
Step-by-step explanation:
Similarities between Legal Non-Citizens and Citizens in the United States:
Legal non-citizens, such as permanent residents, share many similarities with citizens of the United States. Both groups are protected by the constitutional guarantees of due process and equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment. This means that, except for the rights to vote or hold public office, permanent residents enjoy many of the same rights as American citizens. For instance, in the landmark case of Yick Wo v. Hopkins, it was affirmed that the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment applied to resident aliens, ensuring that they enjoy protection against discrimination.
Both citizens and legal non-citizens can live and work anywhere in the United States, have access to public education, may join the armed forces, and may be eligible for some Social Security benefits. These shared rights facilitate the integration of non-citizens into the larger American society, strengthening community ties and the nation's workforce. Moreover, legal non-citizens are subject to the same responsibilities as citizens, such as paying taxes and adhering to all laws and regulations of the country.
The pathway to citizenship through naturalization is available to those who meet certain criteria, and many choose to pursue this to benefit from the full spectrum of rights, including voting and holding public office. Understanding the similarities between legal non-citizens and citizens provides insight into the basic principles of equality and justice that frame the United States' approach to residency and citizenship.