Considering the benefits and responsibilities of obtaining a U.S. green card

 

 

The U.S. What is a green card enables a person to live and work in the United States and to begin the naturalization process. In addition to receiving many of the same benefits as a citizen, the holder of this card also becomes a permanent resident of the United States.

Over one million green cards are issued annually by the U.S. government. There were approximately 13.9 million lawful permanent residents in the United States in 2019, of whom 9.1 million were eligible to become citizens. Permanent residency is usually granted to three categories: those with at least one green card who receive a new one, those who are a relative of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and those in the country on employment visas.

A green card has a number of advantages, but there are also a number of considerations.

We will cover the following topics in this guide:

1. Green Cards Have What Benefits?
2. Green Cards: Your Responsibilities
3. The rest of the story

With Boundless, you can fill out all government forms online in under two hours by answering simple questions. Start now!

If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply for citizenship three years after you marry. If you aren’t married, you can apply after five years. A conditional permanent resident status may be available to you if you recently married a U.S. citizen and applied for permanent residency.

 

The country of your origin cannot deport you. No matter what changes might be made to immigration laws in the future, green card holders maintain their status as permanent residents. In the event of a change in immigration laws, a green card cannot be revoked. If a green card holder commits a crime, breaks a law or does something that could lead to deportation, they may lose their residency.

The citizenship of your country of origin does not have to be renounced.

In both the United States and your state of residence, as well as your local jurisdiction, you are legally protected. Permanent residents have the same legal protections as U.S. citizens.

Green cards can be sponsored by other family members. In general, permanent residents’ families are given priority, but they are not given as much priority as citizens’ families. Members of a family are considered eligible if they are a spouse, child, parent, or sibling (or the spouse and children of those spouses, children, and siblings).

Green cards can be renewed every ten years.

Unlike other visa holders and new arrivals, you can travel to and from the United States more easily. If they return within 12 months, permanent residents can use their green cards to travel abroad and re-enter the country.

You can live or travel anywhere in the United States. State borders are not a hindrance, and no civil or state government agency needs to be contacted.

Social security or education assistance may be available to you. Government-sponsored financial aid is available to permanent residents. A number of colleges and universities are also able to offer in-state or resident tuition rates to green card holders. Social security benefits may be available to green card holders who reside in the United States long enough.

Various types of jobs are available to you. People with green cards have more job opportunities than those with work visas. Permanent residents, for example, may apply for jobs that require security clearances and/or work for the government.

You can get involved in politics. Life in the United States is influenced by politics on all levels, from local councilpersons to presidents. Candidates of their choice may make financial contributions or volunteer in U.S. election campaigns.

Would you like more information? With Boundless, you’ll receive a free consultation with an experienced immigration attorney who can review your green card application. Start now!

You can obtain a green card through Boundless. We make the process easy and prevent common errors. Get started today by learning more about Boundless.