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 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:
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.
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.
