Rights and responsibilities of a Green Card holder

Rights and responsibilities of a Green Card holder

If you have any immigration-related questions, call us today at (619) 746-8879

Being a permanent resident in the US, also known as a Green Card holder, also means that you have new rights and responsibilities, according to the USCIS or the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. In fact, your behavior and what you do while you are a permanent resident in the United States, can affect your possibility of becoming an American citizen further on.

What are your rights as a permanent resident?

As a Green Card holder or a permanent resident, you have the right to:

• Live permanently in the United States, provided that you don’t commit any actions that could consider you removable under immigration law.
• Work in any legal work you choose. There are some jobs limited only to US citizens for security reasons.
• Be protected by all United States laws, as well as your state of residence and local jurisdictions.
• Request a visa for your spouse and single children to live in the US.
• Obtain social security benefits, supplemental security income, and Medicare if eligible.
• Request citizenship once you are eligible to do so.
• Own a property in the country.
• Get a driver’s license in your state or territory.
• Leave and re-enter the country under certain conditions.
• Attend public school and university.
• Be part of certain Armed Forces branches in the US.
• Buy or own a firearm if there are no local or state restrictions.

Learn about other public benefits that Green Card holders are entitled to.

What are your responsibilities as a permanent resident?

To maintain your migratory status as a Green Card holder, you must obey every local, state, and federal law and learn about the law. According to United States law, not knowing the norms is not an excuse not to follow them.

You will also need to pay taxes and inform the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) about your income if you want to maintain your status. 

If you are a man between 18 and 25 years of age, as a permanent resident, you will be asked to register in the selective service. When you do so, you will inform the government if you can serve in the United States Armed Forces. This is mandatory if you want to receive certain benefits, such as:

• Financial aid to pay for higher education.
• Opportunity to obtain American citizenship.
• Training to work with the government or US postal service.

Young people who do not register have to pay a fine of up to $250,000 or spend five years in prison, besides not receiving the aforementioned benefits.

Another responsibility as a permanent resident is to inform DHS (Department of Homeland Security) of your new address every time you move. You can do this by filing Form AR-11 within ten days of moving.

If you plan to travel abroad, you should know that you could lose your status if you cannot prove that your primary residence is in the US. If you need to travel for over 12 months, you must request a permit for re-entry before leaving the country.

Finally, you are also expected to support the democratic form of government. It doesn’t mean you are obliged to vote since Green Card holders are not allowed to do so.

What happens if you are a conditional Green Card holder?

Conditional permanent residents have the same rights and responsibilities as permanent residents.

If you are looking to become a Green Card holder and need help and guidance, contact Kannan Law. We are immigration attorneys in San Diego, California, ready to assist you!