Immigrants who have gone through the process of becoming lawful permanent residents obtain an alien registration card, otherwise known as a green card. The cards are called “green cards”, because in the past the cards used to be green in color. Through the years, the cards have changed colors and designs, but they serve the same function: to grant the immigrant holder lawful status in the United States. When an immigrant becomes a lawful permanent resident, they obtain certain rights and responsibilities.
United States green card holders are granted the right to live permanently in the United States, as long as they do not commit acts that make them deportable. They also have the right to work in the United States at any position of their qualification and choosing. They also have the right to be protected by the laws of the United States. They can also travel outside of the United States and request to be allowed re-entry, which should not be denied unless they have done something that makes them inadmissible.
Green card holders are allowed to apply to become US citizens, unless they have committed disqualifying acts. Most green card holders must wait 5 years after obtaining their green cards in order to apply for US citizenship. If the green card holder is married to a US citizen, however, they only have to wait 3 years to apply to become a US citizen.
If you are a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States, you have the right to petition for certain of your family members to obtain their green card in the United States.
United States green card holders are required to obey all of the laws of the United States. They are also required to file US tax returns, reporting all of their income. They are also required to support the law and government of the United States and should not try to change it by any illegal means. Finally, a green card holder who is a male between the age of 18 through 25 is required to register with the Selective Service.
Green card holders also need to maintain their residence in the United States, or their green card can be revoked for abandonment. They must also maintain an unexpired green card at all times. Green cards are usually valid in 10 year increments, and must be renewed before their expiration.
If you or a loved one is interested in obtaining a green card or want to learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a green card holder, call the visa attorneys at Vanderwall Immigration. The visa attorneys at Vanderwall Immigration have processed many green card applications and can guide you through the process of obtaining and maintaining your green card. If you want to obtain lawful status in the United States, call 503-206-8414 today.