A U.S. green card allows you to live and work in the United States and start the path to becoming a U.S. citizen, It grants permanent residency, which comes with many benefits, but there are also some things to consider. Every year, the U.S. government issues over a million green cards. As of 2019, around 13.9 million green card holders were living in the U.S. with lawful permanent resident status. Among them, about 9.1 million were eligible to become U.S. citizens.
This guide will explain the benefits of a green card, as well as important things to keep in mind.
What Are the Benefits of a U.S. Green Card?
A green card offers several advantages compared to a temporary visa. Most importantly, it allows you to live and work permanently in the U.S. and eventually apply for citizenship after a few years.
Path to Citizenship:
You can apply for U.S. citizenship after 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen, or 5 years if not. If you marry a U.S. citizen and get a green card, you might start with conditional permanent resident status.
Protection from Deportation:
Unlike temporary visa holders, green card holders cannot be easily deported. As long as you follow the law, your permanent resident status remains secure, even if immigration laws change. However, serious crimes or violations could lead to deportation.
Keep Your Original Citizenship:
You do not have to give up your original citizenship to become a U.S. green card holder.
Legal Protection:
As a green card holder, you have the same legal protections as U.S. citizens, both at the federal and state levels.
Family Sponsorship:
You can sponsor certain family members (spouses and unmarried children) for green cards. However, family members of U.S. citizens get higher priority.
Renewable Every 10 Years:
Your green card can be renewed every 10 years, so you can keep your permanent resident status.
Easier Travel:
You can travel outside the U.S. more easily than other visa holders, as long as you return within 12 months.
Freedom to Live Anywhere in the U.S.:
There are no restrictions on where you can live or work within the U.S.
Access to Federal Benefits:
U.S. Green card holders can access certain government benefits, like Social Security or financial aid for education. You may also qualify for in-state tuition at some colleges.
Job Opportunities:
Green card holders can apply for a wider range of jobs, including those that require security clearance or government positions.
Participation in Politics:
While you can’t vote, you can contribute financially to political campaigns or volunteer for political candidates.
Responsibilities of Green Card Holders
As a legal permanent resident, you also have certain responsibilities:
- You must file income taxes and report earnings to the IRS and state tax authorities.
- You must obey U.S. laws and the laws of your state and local community.
- Men between 18-25 must register for the Selective Service (note: there hasn’t been a draft since 1973).
- You must carry your green card with you at all times. Failing to do so could lead to fines or jail time.
- Green card holders, like U.S. citizens, cannot attempt to change the government by illegal means.
Important Things to Know
While a green card grants many benefits, it does not provide all the same rights as U.S. citizenship. Here are some key limitations:
- No Voting Rights: Green card holders cannot vote in U.S. elections.
- Limited Family Sponsorship: You cannot sponsor as many family members as U.S. citizens can, and family members of permanent residents are a lower priority.
- Non-Transferable: Green cards cannot be transferred to family members or automatically passed down to children born outside the U.S.
- No Political Office: Green card holders cannot run for political office.
- No U.S. Passport: You cannot receive a U.S. passport as a green card holder.
- Expatriation and Exit Taxes: If you leave the U.S. permanently after 8 years or more, you may face taxes similar to those of a U.S. citizen renouncing their citizenship.
- Not Fully Protected from Deportation: Although green card holders are less likely to be deported than visa holders, they are not fully protected from deportation if they violate immigration laws.
- Green Card Renewal: Remember, green cards need to be renewed every 10 years.
Legal Rights and Protections
Permanent residents, commonly known as Green Card holders, enjoy a range of legal rights and protections under U.S. law. These include the right to equal treatment under the law, as guaranteed by the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This clause mandates that no state shall deny any person within its jurisdiction equal protection of the laws, ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination based on irrelevant distinctions.
Additionally, Green Card holders can file lawsuits, own property, and engage in various legal contracts, similar to U.S. citizens. This legal framework provides them with a sense of security and stability in their personal and professional lives.
Improved Credit and Financial Opportunities
Green Card holders benefit from enhanced financial opportunities compared to non-residents. They can open bank accounts and apply for loans more easily due to their permanent residency status, which establishes a level of trust with financial institutions. Furthermore, they are eligible for credit cards and can access better financial services, including lower interest rates and favorable loan terms.
The Truth in Lending Act also protects consumers by ensuring that credit terms are disclosed clearly, allowing Green Card holders to make informed financial decisions. This access to credit is crucial for building a solid financial foundation in the U.S.
Tax Benefits and Responsibilities
Understanding tax obligations is essential for Green Card holders, as they are treated as U.S. residents for tax purposes. They must report their worldwide income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and file annual tax returns using Form 1040.
The tax filing deadline is the same as for U.S. citizens—April 15 of the following year. Being a permanent resident also allows individuals to take advantage of certain tax benefits. For instance, they may qualify for various deductions and credits that can reduce their overall tax liability. Additionally, participation in the U.S. tax system enables Green Card holders to access government services and benefits, which can further enhance their quality of life in the country.
Retirement Benefits
Green Card holders are eligible for U.S. retirement plans such as 401(k) accounts and pension schemes. This eligibility allows them to save for retirement while benefiting from employer contributions and potential tax advantages associated with these plans.
Upon reaching retirement age, U.S. Green Card holders can access Social Security benefits, provided they have paid into the system through payroll taxes during their working years. This access to retirement benefits ensures that they have financial support in their later years, contributing to their overall economic security.
Ability to Start a Business
Obtaining a Green Card significantly facilitates the process of starting and owning a business in the U.S. Permanent residents have the legal right to establish businesses without the restrictions that apply to non-residents. This ability opens up numerous opportunities for entrepreneurship and investment in various sectors.
Moreover, Green Card holders gain access to U.S. markets, which can be advantageous for business growth and expansion. They can leverage local resources, networks, and consumer bases that are essential for successful business operations.
Greater Political Stability
Living as a permanent resident in the United States offers individuals a degree of political stability that may not be available in their home countries. The U.S. is characterized by a strong rule of law and democratic governance, which contributes to the safety and security of its residents.
This political stability allows Green Card holders to build their lives without fear of sudden changes in government policy or civil unrest that could jeopardize their well-being or residency status. The assurance of living in a stable environment fosters long-term planning and investment in personal and professional endeavors.
In summary, a green card is a valuable legal status that provides many of the same rights as U.S. citizens but comes with its own set of rules. If you’re interested in obtaining one, make sure you understand both the benefits and the responsibilities that come with it.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the U.S. straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for an H-1B Visa or an F-1 Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the United States. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you
