A permanent resident card, more commonly referred to as a “Green Card” due to its green hue, confers many benefits upon the holder. A Green Card holder has the legal right to permanently live and work in the U.S. While a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. may not enjoy all of the same benefits as U.S. citizens, there are a number of important rights granted to those who hold green cards.
Benefits of having a Green Card
Green card holders are granted the right to live and work in the U.S. without the need to constantly reapply to maintain their status. Renewal of a Green Card is only necessary once every 10 years. To do so, the holder must complete Form I-90 and submit it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for processing. This should be completed approximately six months prior to the expiration date of the Green Card.
U.S. permanent residents also have the ability to sponsor immediate relatives to come and stay with them. Immediate relatives are considered to be parents, spouses, and unmarried children under the age of 21. Additionally, Green Card holders are able to permanently live in the U.S. while maintaining present citizenship in their native country. After five years of holding a green card, a person is usually eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. For those permanent residents who are married and living in the U.S. the whole time, they usually only need to wait three years prior to applying for citizenship.
Another major benefit of having a Green Card is receiving reduced tuition rates at institutes of higher education. Many colleges and universities, as well as vocational schools, across the U.S. charge higher tuition rates for international students and out-of-state students. Green card holders are eligible for in-state resident tuition rates. Green Card holders are also able to apply for and receive federal financial aid for help covering the costs of attendance.
Having a Green Card also makes travel in and out of the U.S. much easier. U.S. immigration services are required to readmit all Green Card holders. This is because the Green Card means they have lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. However, it is important to note that extended stays outside of the U.S. can become problematic for Green Card holders. If it seems that you may not be committed to making the U.S. your permanent place of residence, U.S. immigration may opt to revoke your Green Card.
Additionally, Green Card holders may qualify for federal benefits such as social security benefits. Social security benefits can include help covering the cost of food and childcare. Additionally, benefit recipients may receive assistance in covering the costs of medical care.
Immigration Law Attorneys
If you should have any questions or need more information about the ways in which the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Laws may impact you, your family, your friends or your colleagues, please contact the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Lawyers at the NPZ Law Group – VISASERVE – U.S. Immigration and Nationality Lawyers by e-mailing us at info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 (x107). You can also visit our Law Firm’s website at www.visaserve.com