People not born in the United States must obtain a permanent resident or “green” card to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) before they can complete the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen. With this permit, they can live and work in the country and receive many benefits typically enjoyed only by citizens.
Every year, millions of people attempt to obtain and hold green cards. Read on to learn more…
Why Is Green Card Status So Important?
Green card status helps a non-citizen experience American life and offers many benefits available to American citizens. Green card holders are able to sponsor other family members, helping to extend those benefits to their loved ones.
Asylum seekers and others who fear returning to their country of origin don’t have to worry about a lack of protection or receiving an unexpected order of deportation because of a change in laws. The permanent resident aspect of green card holder status provides protection under the same laws that protect citizens. Even if laws change over the years with changes to political power and presidential administrations, the only way anyone can deport a green card holder is if they commit an illegal or other act that necessitates deportation.
Green card holders never have to renounce their non-U.S. citizenship. If naturalized, they receive dual citizenship status. Unlike the majority of visa holders, they can apply for government and security clearance jobs. They can live, work and travel within the U.S. anywhere. They can also leave the U.S. with a passport from their country of origin. If they don’t stay away for more than 12 months, they can return with more ease than other non-citizens.
A permanent resident card holder can apply for citizenship after a five-year trial period. If they’re married to a U.S. citizen, they can apply after three years. During this period, they must carry their card at all times, follow all laws, pay income taxes and sign up for Selective Service, if applicable based on age, gender and other factors. Although they can’t hold a political office or vote, they can participate in politics as a volunteer or financial contributor. They can even apply for education and social security benefits.
Who Can Apply for a Green Card?
Immigrants must meet eligibility requirements. Many applicants are the relatives of U.S. citizens, specific types of workers from certain industries, immigrants with special designations, refugees and asylees, or victims of abuse, trafficking and other crimes. An immigrant or someone hoping to relocate to the United States can find more information about these and miscellaneous categories on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) “Green Card Eligibility Categories” page.
The most common path to a Green Card is through a family-based petition. The applicant must receive sponsorship from someone who holds a green card or citizenship. Each scenario requires the submission of an application form and a unique petition. Within the United States, an applicant must submit “Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status” and a petition from their sponsor. Examples of petitions include “Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative” and “Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition.” An applicant or their sponsor can find the links to these and other forms on the USCIS “How to Apply for a Green Card” page.
Anyone seeking to apply while living outside of the United States must obtain an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate in their country of origin and pay a processing fee. After they receive approval and enter the country, they receive their green card within approximately 90 days. The USCIS “Consular Processing” page outlines every step.
In all scenarios, the USCIS requires an applicant to supply biometrics data (i.e., a unique signature, photographs and fingerprints) and complete an interview. After approval, the USCIS provides a United States Postal Service (USPS) tracking number. They must simply sign up for an account on the USCIS “Case Status Online” page. If they fail to maintain an up-to-date address, they might need to start a new application and pay the fee a second time.
