Holding a Green Card is an important milestone in your journey as an immigrant in the United States. It grants you the right to live and work permanently in the country while providing a pathway to U.S. citizenship. However, with this status comes specific responsibilities and rights that every Green Card holder should understand.
Your Rights as a Green Card Holder
As any Green Card guide told you, getting this vital document takes a while and requires planning, dedication, preparation, budgeting, and more. Your journey was long, but it paid off. Now, as a permanent resident, you are entitled to many of the same rights as U.S. citizens.
These include:
- the right to work in any job across the United States,
- the ability to travel in and out of the country,
- protection under U.S. laws,
- and freedom to apply for Social Security benefits is an integral part of your financial planning, especially as you approach retirement age.
However, certain limitations exist. For instance, you cannot vote in federal elections or hold certain government jobs reserved for U.S. citizens. Also, you must maintain your immigration status by avoiding actions that could result in losing your Green Card, such as committing certain crimes or failing to file tax returns while living abroad.
Responsibilities and Obligations
With the rights granted by your Green Card come essential responsibilities. Like U.S. citizens, you must obey all federal, state, and local laws. Additionally, you must file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and report your worldwide income, even if you live outside the U.S. for an extended period.
Another crucial responsibility is always to carry proof of your Green Card status. U.S. law requires that Green Card holders over 18 always carry their permanent resident card with them. Failure to do so could result in legal penalties, although enforcement of this requirement can vary.
Maintaining continuous residence in the U.S. is another vital obligation. Spending extended periods outside the country can lead to questions about whether you have abandoned your permanent residency. If you plan to be away for more than a year, consider applying for a reentry permit to avoid complications when returning to the U.S.
Traveling with a Green Card
Traveling internationally as a Green Card holder involves specific considerations. You can travel outside the United States but must ensure that your trip does not interfere with your permanent resident status. If you plan to be abroad for an extended period, especially over six months, it’s important to take steps to protect your status.
Short trips generally don’t pose issues, but absences longer than six months can trigger additional scrutiny upon reentry to the U.S. Immigration officials may question whether you have abandoned your residency, especially if you have maintained ties to another country, such as property ownership or employment.
To avoid problems when returning to the U.S., carry evidence that shows your intent to maintain residency like proof of employment, property ownership, or a lease agreement in the U.S. Additionally, if you plan to be away for more than a year, applying for a reentry permit before you leave is advisable. This permit helps demonstrate your intent to return and maintain your U.S. residency.
Green Card Renewal and Replacement
Your Green Card must be renewed every ten years. You must keep track of the expiration date and apply for renewal six months before it expires. The renewal process involves filling out Form I-90 and submitting it with the required fee. Failing to renew your Green Card could cause difficulties in proving your legal status, obtaining employment, or reentering the U.S. after travel.
If your Green Card is misplaced, damaged, or stolen, you must apply for a replacement immediately. The same Form I-90 is used for this process. Carrying an expired or damaged Green Card can lead to legal challenges, especially if you are asked to show proof of your status.
Pathway to U.S. Citizenship
Holding a Green Card is often the final step before applying for U.S. citizenship. You may apply for naturalization after meeting the residency requirements—typically five or three years if married to a U.S. citizen. The naturalization process involves submitting Form N-400, attending a biometrics appointment, passing an interview, and taking the Oath of Allegiance.
Becoming a U.S. citizen grants you vote rights, the chance to obtain a U.S. passport, and sponsor family members for immigration. It also protects you from deportation, ensuring you can remain in the U.S. permanently. Understanding your Green Card status and fulfilling your obligations will set you on the right path to achieving citizenship.
Enjoy Your Rights and Protections as an American Permanent Resident!
Understanding your Green Card status and rights is essential for making the most of your permanent residency in the United States. Knowing your rights, fulfilling your responsibilities, staying aware of travel requirements, and keeping your Green Card up to date are all crucial steps in protecting your status.
