A green card, also called a Permanent Resident Card, legally allows you to live and work permanently in the United States. As a green card holder, you can enjoy many benefits not available to other immigrants, bringing you one step closer to U.S. citizenship. Read on for eight of the most valuable benefits of a green card.
Benefit #1: Opportunity to Submit an Application for Citizenship
The biggest benefit of having a green card is the opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Most permanent resident card holders can apply after continuously living in the U.S. for five years. However, if you received your green card as a result of marrying a U.S. citizen, you have to wait three years to apply.
Once naturalized, you gain important benefits such as the right to serve on a jury, vote, and run for political office. You also qualify for a U.S. passport and will not have to keep renewing your permanent resident card every decade.
Benefit #2: Protection from Being Deported
When you have a green card, the government of the United States cannot legally deport you back to your country of origin. Your permanent resident status remains secure regardless of future changes made to immigration laws or policies.
You can lose your green card by committing certain crimes or violating specific laws. But otherwise, you cannot be deported. This protection brings stability and assurance.
Benefit #3: Legal Protections
As soon as you gain permanent resident status, you receive the full legal rights and protections provided by federal, state, and local laws across the United States. The same civil liberties protecting U.S. citizens also apply to all green card holders residing here.
Benefit #4: You Can Sponsor Members of Your Family
Once approved for permanent residency, green card holders can legally sponsor certain family members who wish to immigrate here. You may petition to bring over your spouse, children younger than 21 who aren’t married, and parents.
Your family members receive higher priority than relatives sponsored by non-citizens. However, their wait is still longer than if sponsored by a U.S. citizen. Either way, having a green card creates a path for your loved ones to gain residency lawfully.
Benefit #5: Fewer Travel Restrictions
Green card holders can freely travel in and out of the United States, facing fewer restrictions than other immigrants, such as those with work or student visas. You can leave and come back into the country multiple times as long as each trip lasts less than one year.
You must always carry your valid green card when traveling abroad to show proof of your permanent resident status upon returning. As long as your trip falls within the one-year time frame, immigration officials at the border cannot deny your reentry.
Benefit #6: Live and Work Anywhere in the U.S.
Once approved for permanent residency, you can study, live, and work anywhere within the U.S. without limitation. Green card holders face no restrictions on where they reside or how often they move. Most employment opportunities are now available, no matter your profession or background.
Benefit #7: Access Federal Government Benefits
As lawful U.S. residents, green card holders qualify for many federal government programs and benefits. These include financial aid options to help pay for higher education. Social Security and Medicare benefits also become available after paying taxes for a certain amount of time.
Benefit #8: Participate in Politics to a Degree
Green card holders may not vote or run for public office. However, you can still contribute money to political candidates or campaigns. You also have the right to be politically active by protesting, canvassing, volunteering, and engaging in activism around causes or issues you care about.
What Responsibilities Come with a Green Card?
Gaining a green card’s many advantages comes with important legal and financial responsibilities. Lawful permanent residents must obey all laws and regulations anywhere in the country. Male green card holders between the ages of 18 and 25 have to register for military selective service.
Another critical duty involves paying federal and state income taxes and filing returns every year regardless of where you work. If you will be traveling abroad, you must also pay any applicable exit taxes. Failing to fulfill these obligations could negatively impact your status.
What Limitations Remain with a Green Card?
As a green card holder, you’ll enjoy many rights and privileges that vastly improve your life in America. However, some restrictions still apply, and they only disappear once you are naturalized as a full U.S. citizen.
For example, green card holders cannot vote, run for political office, or apply for certain government jobs. Your green card doesn’t automatically extend legal residency to children born abroad. You must also renew your green card every ten years to maintain your status.
Gain Expert Guidance on Obtaining Your Green Card with Pride Immigration
Does the green card seem to be the ideal solution for you and your family right now? The process of obtaining one can be challenging. Luckily, the dedicated professionals at Pride Immigration stay by your side during the entire process.
Over the years, we’ve helped countless immigrants successfully navigate the complex paperwork, long waits, and interviews required for approval. Our personalized assistance makes all the difference in securing your green card approval quickly and smoothly.
Pride Immigration is here to help you when obstacles arise on the road to obtaining permanent residency. Contact us today at (703) 594-4040 or via our website to schedule your initial green card consultation.
Beeraj Patel, Esq.
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