A Green Card, otherwise known as a Permanent Resident Card, is an identification card that proves that an immigrant has been granted lawful permanent residence in the United States. Green card holders are legally allowed to live and work in the U.S. and have certain rights and protections under U.S. law. This blog post will discuss some benefits of holding a green card and why permanent residents should seek them.
The Process of Obtaining a Green Card
Although it may seem daunting to obtain a green card, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Once you become a permanent resident, you will have access to many opportunities that were not available. There are a few main ways a permanent resident can obtain a green card.
Sponsorship
The most common way is through family sponsorship. If you have a relative who is a U.S. citizen or green card holder, they can sponsor you for a green card. The next most common way is through employment sponsorship. Your employer can sponsor you for a green card if they are willing to invest in your permanent residency.
Refuge or Asylee Status or Other Humanitarian Programs
If you are fleeing persecution or have been the victim of human trafficking, you may be eligible for a green card through the refugee or asylee status. In addition, other humanitarian programs can help you obtain a green card.
File For a Green Card Individually
You can also file for a green card individually if you meet specific requirements. These include having extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, or athletics, being a qualified religious worker, or being an investor.
Other Ways to File for a Green Card
There are other ways to file for a green card, such as the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. This program is open to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. If you are selected, you will be given a green card.
The Benefits of Holding a Green Card
- The right to live and work in the United States indefinitely: One of the significant benefits of holding a green card is that it allows immigrants to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Green card holders do not have to worry about their status expiring or renewing every few years; their position is permanent if they follow certain conditions (more on that later). Green card holders can apply for any or as many jobs as they want.
- The ability to travel outside of the United States and re-enter: Another benefit of holding a green card is that it allows immigrants to travel outside of the United States and re-enter, provided they do not stay outside of the country for more than one year at a time. Green card holders who plan to stay outside the U.S. for longer than one year must obtain a re-entry permit from USCIS before leaving.
- The ability to apply for U.S. citizenship: Immigrants who hold green cards are also eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after living in the country for five years (or three years if they obtained their green cards through marriage to a U.S. citizen).
- Certain rights and protections under U.S law: Finally, green card holders also have rights and protections under U.S law that other non-immigrants do not have. For example, they cannot be deported from the United States unless they commit certain crimes or violate the terms of their residency. They are also entitled to due process under the law if they are accused of committing any crimes.
- Access to government benefits: green card holders also have access to certain government benefits, such as Social Security retirement benefits, Medicaid, food stamps, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- The ability to sponsor family members for green cards is another benefit of having a green card because it allows you to support certain family members for their green cards. If you are 21 or older, you can sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and siblings for permanent residency in America. This process can take several years, but once your family members receive their green cards, they can enjoy all the same benefits you do.
- You can engage in the political process to a certain degree. While you cannot vote in federal elections, you can participate in the political process by joining a political party, working on campaigns, or becoming a lobbyist. You can also make financial contributions to the candidate of your choice.
- You can travel or live anywhere in the United States. If you’re tired of living in the same place or you feel that there are no job opportunities where you are, there are no restrictions on where you can live or travel within the United States as a Green Card holder. You are free to move about the country as you, please.
- You do not have to renounce your country of origin. When you become a U.S. citizen, you do not have to lose your country of origin. You can remain a citizen of the United States and your home country if you choose.
Hire Nanthaveth & Associates For Your Immigration Troubles
There are many benefits to becoming a permanent resident of the United States through obtaining a green card. From being able to live and work permanently in the country to eventually becoming a U.S. citizen, many opportunities will open up to you once you get your green card. So, if you are considering applying for a green card, don’t hesitate!
As beneficial as it is, the immigration process is constantly changing and can be very complex, and you may need assistance. Only an experienced green card attorney can help you with your specific case and provide the best chance of success. Unfortunately, if you’re not careful, you may fall prey to the false promises of a Notario Publico or unlicensed immigration consultant. These “notarios” often take advantage of unsuspecting immigrants by promising them a green card in exchange for exorbitant fees, only to leave them disappointed and, in some cases, deported.
When it comes to something as crucial as your immigration status, it’s best to leave it to a professional green card attorney. At Nanthaveth & Associates, we have years of experience helping people through the process and ensuring everything is done correctly. At Nanthaveth & Associates, we are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to see how we can help you with your green card application!
