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A Green Card holder has many responsibilities. One of the most important is understanding the rules for traveling outside the United States.
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Introduction
A Green Card holder (permanent resident) is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, a person is granted a permanent resident card, commonly called a “Green Card.” If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you are allowed to live and work here indefinitely. You can also apply for U.S. citizenship after five years.
What is a Green Card?
If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you will have what is called a Green Card. With this document, you are allowed to live and work permanently in the U.S. You will also be able to travel in and out of the country, as long as you do not stay outside of the U.S. for longer than 6 months at a time. If you do plan on leaving the country for an extended period of time, you will need to get what is called a Reentry Permit.
Applying for a Green Card
If you want to apply for a U.S. Green Card, there are a few things you need to know. The first is that you must be eligible for one of the categories below. The second is that you will need to complete and submit an application, along with the required supporting documents, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The following are the categories of people who are eligible to apply for a U.S. Green Card:
-Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens
-Certain family members of U.S. citizens
-Certain family members of lawful permanent residents
-Refugees and asylees
-Victims of human trafficking and other crimes
-Victims of abuse
The Green Card Lottery
The Green Card Lottery – also known as the Diversity Visa Lottery – is a way to get a permanent residence (Green Card) to live and work in the United States. The annual DV lottery makes 55,000 immigrant visas available through a random computer drawing. If you are selected, you and your family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age) will be eligible to apply for permanent residence in the United States.
The Benefits of a Green Card
A Green Cardholder (permanent resident) is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. As proof of that status, a person is granted a permanent resident card, commonly called a “Green Card.”
The main benefit of having a Green Card is that it allows the holder to live and work permanently in the United States. The Green Card also serves as proof of identity and employment authorization, and allows the holder to apply for a U.S. passport. Green Card holders are also eligible for certain social benefits, including Medicare and Social Security.
The Rights and Responsibilities of a Green Card Holder
A green card holder is a permanent resident of the United States. As a permanent resident, you have certain rights and responsibilities.
Rights of a Green Card Holder:
-To live permanently in the United States provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable under immigration law
-To work in the United States at any legal work of your qualification and choosing
-To study in the United States provided that you also maintain legal status
-To receive federal financial aid for education, as long as you are not be on active duty in the U.S. military or have been designated as having commenced studies toward a graduate or professional degree
-After five years of physical presence in the United States, to apply for U.S. citizenship
-To be protected by all laws of the United States, your state of residence, and local jurisdictions
-To vote in certain elections if you meet specific requirements
Responsibilities of a Green Card Holder:
-Obey all laws of the United States, your state of residence, and local jurisdictions
-Pay taxes imposed by federal, state, and local governments
-Register with the Selective Service System if between certain ages (18-25) and male
Travelling with a Green Card
Travelling with a Green Card is relatively easy, but there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Firstly, you need to make sure that your green Card is up to date and valid for travel. You will also need to have a valid passport from your country of citizenship. If you are travelling to the United States, you will need to apply for a visa in advance.
Once you have all of your documents in order, you should familiarize yourself with the entry requirements of the country that you are travelling to. Make sure that you understand the rules and regulations regarding entering and exiting the country, as well as any restrictions on bringing food or other items into the country.
When you are ready to travel, make sure to pack all of your important documents in an easily accessible place. It is also a good idea to make copies of important documents, such as your passport and green card in case they are lost or stolen while you are travelling.
Renewing or Replacing a Green Card
If you are a permanent resident of the United States, also known as a green card holder, you will need to renew or replace your green card every ten years. You can apply for a new Green card if your current one is about to expire, or if it has already expired. You may also need to replace your green card if it was lost or stolen, or if your name has changed and you want to update the card.
The process for renewing or replacing a green card is similar to the process for applying for a green card, and you will need to submit some of the same documents. You will need to fill out Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. If you are renewing your green card, you will also need to submit evidence of your legal status in the United States, such as a copy of your permanent resident card or a copy of your U.S. passport.
You will also need to pay a fee, which is currently $540. If you are renewing your green card, you may also be required to pay an additional fee of $85 for biometrics services, which includes having your fingerprints and photograph taken.
Once you have gathered all the required documents and paid the fees, you will need to mail your application package to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The address will depend on where you live and whether you are applying for renewal or replacement. You can find the correct address on the USCIS website.
After USCIS receives your application package, they will send you a notice telling you when and where to go for your biometrics appointment, if required. They will also send you a notice telling you when and where to go for your interview appointment, if required. Once USCIS has processed your application, they will either approve or deny it.
Losing or Damaging a Green Card
If you lose your Green Card or it is stolen, damaged or destroyed, you should submit a replacement application immediately. You can get a replacement Green Card (I-90 form) by mail or through the USCIS ELIS online system. You will need to provide proof of identity and evidence that you are a lawful permanent resident. There is a fee for this service. If your Green Card was lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed while you were outside of the United States, you should contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy for assistance in replacing it.
Conclusion
If you are a permanent resident of the United States with a Green Card you are allowed to travel freely within the country. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when travelling with a Green Card.
First, it is important to keep your Green Card up to date. If your card has expired, you will not be able to reenter the United States after travelling abroad. Make sure to renew your card before booking any international travel.
Secondly, remember that as a permanent resident, you are not allowed to vote or hold public office. If you are caught doing so, you could lose your Green Card and be deported from the country.
Lastly, keep in mind that while you are free to travel within the United States, you are not allowed to leave the country for extended periods of time without first obtaining permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you do not obtain permission and try to reenter the United States after an extended absence, you could be denied entry and deported.
If you follow these guidelines, travelling with a Green Card should be no problem. Just make sure to keep your card up-to-date and be aware of your rights and limitations as a permanent resident of the United States.
