Benefits of a Green Card

A Green Card represents a dream come true for countless individuals seeking a new life in the United States. It allows you to reside and work in the United States and initiates the path toward becoming a naturalised U.S. citizen. Annually, the U.S. government issues over one million green cards. Permanent resident status is typically conferred upon three groups: individuals who already possess a green card and are receiving a new one, family members of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and foreign workers in the U.S. under employment visas. This desired document offers a multitude of benefits. In this post, let's explore why obtaining one is a significant milestone for U.S. residency.

Advantages of a Green Card

Jotted down below are some useful advantages of having a green card:

Lawful Permanent Residency

A Green Card is your key to residing in the United States indefinitely. While many visas come with time limits and conditions, a Green Card provides the peace of mind that comes with secure, long-term residency.

Freedom to Work and Study

You can work and study in the United States with a Green Card. You can pursue job opportunities and educational endeavours without additional approvals or visas.

Access to Federal Benefits

Green Card holders can enjoy various federal benefits, including Social Security, Medicare, and other government-sponsored higher education programs, helping you secure your financial future and healthcare needs. You can even relish resident or in-state tuition rates at certain universities or colleges.

Legal Protection

A Green Card provides you with the legal protection of U.S. laws, ensuring you are entitled to the same rights and responsibilities as U.S. citizens. This way, you will be legally protected by the laws of America, the local jurisdiction, and the state of residence.

Travel Flexibility

With a Green Card, you can travel internationally compared to other visa holders, like those holding work visas, such as the H-1B visa or any other nonimmigrant visas. This freedom is particularly valuable for those who want to maintain connections with their home country while living in the U.S. Moreover, green card holders can travel internationally and enter America with a valid card if they return within a year. On top of that, travelling in the country is far easier than going international. You will not have to give verification for your status of immigration with any government agency to travel within the U.S. borders.

Sponsorship for Family Members

Green Card holders can sponsor family members who wish to file a family-based application for a green card to join them in the United States. This is one of the easiest ways to promote family unity and enable loved ones to share in the benefits of U.S. residency. The family members that green card holders can sponsor include children, siblings, parents, and spouses.

Business Ventures

As a Green Card holder, you can start a business or invest in the U.S. You can actively participate in the country's entrepreneurial landscape and contribute to its Economy.

Protection from Deportation

While most visa holders can face deportation under certain circumstances, Green Card holders are less vulnerable to this risk. The government cannot deport you if you possess this card. Although several factors of immigration law are unstable, the status of a green card is permanent; thus, you get to save yourself from deportation. However, as a lawful permanent resident, you can typically only be deported for specific, severe reasons, such as violating a law or committing a crime.

Quality of Life

Perhaps the most significant benefit is the opportunity for an enhanced quality of life. Green Card holders can build a stable future for themselves and their families in the United States, taking full advantage of the country's opportunities and resources.

What are the Obligations of Green Card Holders?

Upon obtaining green card holder status, certain responsibilities come with it. As a green card holder:

• You must file Income Tax Returns and report your Earnings to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state tax authorities
• You must adhere to all federal, state, and local laws
• You are obligated to carry a valid green card with you at all times
• Engaging in any illegal activities aimed at altering the government is strictly prohibited

What are Some Restrictions of Having a Green Card?

While you can reside and work in the United States and enjoy most of the privileges extended to U.S. citizens, you do not possess the complete rights of a citizen. Here are some of the restrictions you will encounter as a green card holder:

• You are ineligible to vote in U.S. elections until you acquire citizenship
• Your green card is non-transferable and does not automatically apply to individuals born outside the United States
• Running for U.S. political office is not permitted
• You cannot obtain a U.S. passport until you become a citizen
• If you permanently depart the U.S. after eight years or more, you may be subject to expulsion and exit Taxes
• In the event of certain criminal offences, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) cannot shield you from deportation
• Your green card necessitates renewal every ten years

Conclusion

Obtaining a Green Card is a life-changing achievement that opens doors to many benefits. It offers not only legal residency but a pathway to the American dream. Whether you seek employment, educational opportunities, or a better life for your family, the Green Card provides the foundation to turn your aspirations into reality.