Green Card

Overview

A "Green Card" grants you official immigration status (Lawful Permanent Residency) in the United States. There are many immigration paths, each with a unique set of eligiblity requirements, preferences, and application guidelines. Specific details regarding these paths can be found at CIS' (Citizenship and Immigration Services) Green Cards page. Before applying for your "Green Card," you should be aware of all the rights and responsibilities that accompany Lawful Permanent Resident status.

Rights

As a Permanent Resident you have most of the rights of a United States Citizen:

• • To live permanently in the United States provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable (deportable) under the immigration law (section 237, Immigration and Nationality Act);
• • To be employed in the United States at any legal work of your qualification and choosing;
• • To be protected by all of the laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions; and
• • To vote in local elections where United States Citizenship is not required.

But there are some exceptions:

• • Some jobs will be limited to United States Citizens because of security concerns.
• • You may not vote in elections limited to United States Citizens.

Responsibilities

You are required to obey all of the laws of the United States, the States, and localities. You are required to file your income tax returns and report you income to the US Internal Revenue Service and State IRS. You are expected to support the democratic form of government and cannot attempt to change the government through illegal means. If you are a male, age 18 through 25, you are required to register with the Selective Service.

For additional information on Lawful Permanent Residency, including international travel, voting, relatives, and naturalization, please visit the Permanent Resident page at CIS.

Contact Us

*Green Card content courtesy of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.