An analysis of the benefits and responsibilities of a U.S. green card
A In addition to allowing people to live and work in the United States, a green card allows them to start the process of becoming naturalized citizens. The holder of this card becomes a permanent resident of the United States, entitled to many of the same benefits as a citizen.
More than one million Green cards are issued by the U.S. government every year. The United States had 13.9 million green card holders in 2019, of whom 9.1 million were eligible to become citizens. Most permanent residents come from three categories: those who already have a green card and are issued a new one, those who are relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and those with employment visas in the U.S.
Getting a green card has many benefits, but there are a few things to consider as well.
This guide will cover the following topics:
- A Green Card Has What Benefits?
- A Green Card comes with responsibilities
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A Green Card Has What Benefits?
A As a result of obtaining a green card, a person can live and work in the United States permanently, and becomes a U.S. citizen after a few years.
Green cards offer many benefits
If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply for citizenship after three years, or after five years if you are not. (If you recently married a U.S. citizen and applied for a green card, you may have conditional permanent residency.)
It is not possible to deport you back home. Regardless of future changes to immigration laws, green card holders maintain their status as permanent residents. With potential changes to immigration laws, a green card cannot be revoked. If a green card holder commits a crime, violates a law or does something that can result in deportation, they may lose their residency.
It is not necessary for you to renounce your citizenship.
Regardless of where you reside, you are protected by federal, state, and local laws. Those granted permanent residence are protected by the same law as U.S. citizens.
Sponsoring a green card for another member of your family is possible. There is a priority given to the families of permanent residents, but it is not as high as it is for the families of U.S. citizens. Family members eligible for the program include spouses, children, parents, and siblings (as well as the spouses and children of those spouses, adult children, and siblings).
Green cards can be renewed every ten years.
Visa holders and new arrivals may find it easier to travel to and from the United States. As long as they return within 12 months, permanent residents can travel abroad and re-enter the United States with a valid green card.
It is possible to travel or live anywhere within the United States. Civil or state government agencies are not required to verify your identity, nor are state borders a limitation.
Whether you qualify for social security benefits or education assistance depends on your circumstances. The government offers financial aid to permanent residents for education. Furthermore, green card holders are eligible for in-state tuition rates at certain colleges and universities. A green card holder may qualify for social security benefits if they reside in the United States long enough.
There are a number of job opportunities available to you. In comparison to those on a work visa, green card holders have more job opportunities. Certain jobs may require government clearances or security clearances.
Participation in politics is possible. Every level of politics in the United States has an impact on life, from local councilpeople to the president. In U.S. elections, green card holders can contribute financially or volunteer for a candidate of their choice.
