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The Benefits of a Green Card
Weighing the benefits of a U.S. green card and the responsibilities of being a lawful permanent resident
Summary
A U.S. green card allows a person to live and work in the United States and start the process to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. This card makes the holder a permanent resident of the United States, entitled to many of the same benefits as a citizen, but not all.
Every year, the U.S. government issues more than one million green cards. In 2024, an estimated 12.8 million green card holders lived in the United States with lawful permanent resident status, of which 8.7 million were eligible to become citizens. Permanent resident status is usually given to three categories: those people who already have a green card and are issued a new one, relatives of U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and workers in the U.S. on employment visas.
This guide looks at both the benefits of getting a green card, as well as a few things to consider.
Important Update:
The April 2023 Visa Bulletin saw a significant change to the F-2A family-based category (Spouses and Unmarried Children (Under Age 21) of U.S. Green Card Holders).
Due to a growing backlog of cases in this category, the “Final Action Dates” for F-2A applications are no longer “current” for the first time in several years. “Final Action Dates” refer to applications whose priority dates have reached the front of the line and can now be adjudicated. Although the “Final Action Dates” are no longer current, the “Dates for Filing” have remained current for the F-2A category, meaning spouses and unmarried children of U.S. green card holders can still file their green card applications for now. Despite still being able to file, these cases will NOT be adjudicated until the priority date is current. This change is likely to significantly increase wait times for green cards under the F-2A category. Fengey will continue to track this development closely — stay tuned for future updates on our monthly Visa Bulletin report.
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What Are the Benefits of a Green Card?
A green card provides many advantages over a visa. Primarily, it allows the green card holder to permanently live and work in the United States, and after a number of years, become a U.S. citizen.
Benefits of a green card
You can apply for U.S. citizenship after three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen, or five years if not. (If you recently married a U.S. citizen and apply for a green card, you may have conditional permanent resident status.)
You cannot be deported to your country of origin. Green card holders maintain status as a permanent resident no matter what future changes may be made to U.S. immigration laws. A green card is not temporary, and can not be revoked with potential changes to immigration laws. A green card holder, however, can lose their residency by committing a crime, violating a law or doing something that can potentially result in deportation.
You do not have to renounce citizenship of your country of origin.
You are legally protected by the laws of the United States, your state of residence and your local jurisdiction. The same protections under the law that apply to U.S. citizens apply to those granted permanent residence.
You can sponsor other family members for a green card. Family members of permanent residents are given priority, but not as great a priority as family members of U.S. citizens. Eligible family members include spouses and unmarried children.
You can renew your green card every 10 years.
You can travel to and from the United States more easily than other visa holders or new arrivals. Permanent residents can travel abroad and re-enter the United States with a valid green card, as long as they return within 6 months. Note: For trips of 6 months to one year, it is recommended that you apply for a reentry permit. For trips of more than a year, a reentry permit is required.
You can travel or live anywhere within the United States. State borders are no limitation, and there is no need to check in with civil or state government agencies.
You are eligible to receive federal benefits such as social security or education assistance. Permanent residents may apply for government-sponsored financial aid for education. Additionally, green card holders are entitled to in-state or resident tuition rates at certain colleges and universities. If a green card holder resides in the United States long enough, they may receive social security benefits.
You may apply for a wide variety of jobs. Green card holders experience greater job opportunities than those on a work visa. For instance, permanent residents can apply for jobs that involve security clearances and/or work for the government.
You can engage in the political process. Politics at all levels, from the local councilperson to the president, can influence life in the United States. Green card holders are eligible to make financial contributions or volunteer for the candidate of their choice in U.S. elections.
Not sure how to get started? Get a visa consultation with Fengey. Learn more.
Responsibilities of Having a Green Card
Once you are a green card holder, you hold certain responsibilities as a legal permanent resident of the United States.
- Green card holders, like U.S. citizens, must file income tax returns and report income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as well as state tax authorities.
- Green card holders are obligated to obey the laws of the United States, their state of residence, and their local jurisdictions.
- Male green card holders, between the ages of 18-25, must register for the Selective Service. (Note the United States has not had a draft since 1973).
- Green card holders must carry a valid green card at all times. Not having a green card on you can lead to up to 30 days in jail.
- Green card holders, like U.S. citizens, may not engage in any attempts to change the form of government through illegal means.
Fengey helps you build a tailored visa plan for every step of the process, from forms to your immigration interview. Get started today!
Other Things to Know
While green card holders can live and work in the United States, and enjoy most of the same benefits as a U.S. citizen, permanent residents are not U.S. citizens and because of this do not have the full rights of a citizen. Limitations include:
- Green card holders do not have the right to vote.
- Green card holders do not have as high a priority in sponsoring other family members for green cards as U.S. citizens.
- Green cards themselves are non-transferrable and are not automatically extended to children born outside the United States.
- Green card holders may not run for political office.
- Green card holders are not issued a U.S. passport.
- Green card holders who leave the U.S. permanently after 8 years or more are subject to expatriation and exit taxes, as would apply to a U.S. citizen renouncing their citizenship.
- Full protection from deportation is not guaranteed to green card holders. But as a reminder, green card holders are protected from deportation should U.S. immigration law change.
- Green cards must be renewed every 10 years.
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What documents are typically required for consular processing?
The specific documents required for consular processing can vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. However, common documents include a valid passport, birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), police clearance certificates, medical examination reports, financial documentation, and supporting evidence for the visa category being applied for. It is important to consult the U.S. embassy or consulate’s website or the Department of State for the exact document requirements.
Can I attend my consular interview in a country other than my home country?
In general, consular interviews are scheduled at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the individual’s home country. However, there may be certain circumstances where it is possible to request an interview in a different country. This is known as third-country processing. The availability and eligibility for third-country processing can depend on factors such as the individual’s nationality, residence, and the specific policies of the U.S. embassy or consulate involved. It is advisable to contact the embassy or consulate to inquire about the possibility of third-country processing.
Can I travel to the United States while my consular processing is in progress?
Generally, individuals going through consular processing should wait until they receive their immigrant visa before traveling to the United States. If they enter the United States on a different non-immigrant visa during the consular processing, it may complicate or negatively affect their immigration process. It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the U.S. embassy or consulate and to consult with an immigration attorney if there is a need to travel to the United States before completing the consular processing. Learn more about when you can visit a spouse in the U.S. while waiting for your Green Card.
Can I sponsor a green card for an undocumented spouse?
It is possible in some cases to apply for a marriage-based green card for your undocumented spouse. Learn more about sponsoring undocumented spouses.
