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Green card holders are generally free to travel within the United States, but there are some restrictions to be aware of.
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Introduction
If you are a Green Card holder, you are allowed to travel freely within the United States. You can also travel to and from the U.S. as often as you like. However, there are some travel restrictions that you should be aware of before you plan your trip.
The United States has several different types of visas that allow foreign nationals to enter the country for a specific purpose. If you are a Green Card holder, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa before traveling to the U.S. for business, pleasure, or study purposes.
There are three main types of U.S. visas:
-Nonimmigrant visas: These allow foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for a temporary stay, such as for tourism or business purposes.
-Immigrant visas: These allow foreign nationals to permanently live and work in the U.S.
-Transit visas: These allow foreign nationals to stop in the U.S. for a brief period of time while en route to another destination country
What is a Green Card?
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.”
The rights and privileges of permanent residents are virtually identical to those of U.S. citizens, with a few notable exceptions:
-Permanent residents cannot vote or hold elective office. However, they can vote in some local elections.
-Permanent residents can serve on juries in federal, state and local courts.
-Permanent residents can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), but are not required to do so.
Green Card Travel Restrictions
If you are a green card holder, you may travel freely within the United States and its territories. However, there are some restrictions to keep in mind:
-You must have a valid green card with you at all times. If you plan to travel outside of the United States, you must carry your green card with you to re-enter the country.
-You may be asked to present your green card at any time by a law enforcement officer or other official.
-You may be asked to present additional documentation such as a passport or birth certificate when traveling.
-If your green card is lost or stolen, you should report it to the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy as soon as possible.
Applying for a Green Card
Green card holders are subject to the same travel restrictions as U.S. citizens. For example, if you have a criminal record, you may not be allowed to enter the United States. If you have a green card and are planning to travel outside the United States, it is important to know the travel restrictions that apply to you.
The Green Card Interview
If you are a Green Card holder, you may be required to go through an interview process before you are allowed to travel to the United States. This is to ensure that you are still eligible for the Green Card and that you have not committed any crimes since you last entered the country.
The interview will usually take place at a local US embassy or consulate, and you will need to bring your passport and Green Card with you. You will be asked a series of questions about your background, your current situation and your plans for the future. The interviewer will also want to see evidence that you have ties to your home country, such as a job or family members.
If you are found to be eligible, you will be issued a new Green Card which will allow you to travel freely to the United States. If you are not eligible, your Green Card will be revoked and you may be required to leave the country immediately.
After the Interview
After the interview, green card holders are fingerprinted and photographed. A few days later, they will receive their passport with their new permanent resident card (green card) in the mail. The green card is valid for 10 years. Green card holders can travel freely in and out of the United States. They can also apply for a driver’s license, register to vote, and apply for government benefits (such as Social Security and Medicare).
Renewing or Replacing Your Green Card
As a green card holder, you are allowed to live and work permanently in the United States. You can also travel abroad and return to the United States as long as you have your green card with you. However, there are some travel restrictions for green card holders that you should be aware of before you plan your trip.
If your green card is expired or will expire soon, you will need to renew it before you can travel outside of the United States. You should begin the renewal process at least 6 months before your card expires. If you need to replace your green card because it was lost, stolen, or damaged, you will also need to begin the replacement process at least 6 months before you travel.
If you are planning to travel outside of the United States for more than 6 months, you may need to get a reentry permit before you leave. A reentry permit allows green card holders to maintain their status while they are away from the United States for extended periods of time. You should apply for a reentry permit at least 3 months before you leave.
There are also some countries that have special requirements for travelers with green cards. For example, if you have a green card from Russia or Ukraine, you will need a special visa to enter North Korea. If you have a green card from Iraq, Iran, Syria, or Sudan, you will need a special visa to enter Burma (Myanmar). Be sure to check the requirements for your country before you plan your trip.
What Happens if Your Green Card is Lost or Stolen?
If you are a lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. have a “green card”), you have the right to live and work here permanently. You can also travel freely within the United States and its territories, although you will need to carry your green card with you at all times.
If your green card is lost or stolen, it is important to report the loss or theft to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as soon as possible. USCIS will then issue you a new card. There is a fee for this service, but it is generally very quick and easy to replace your lost or stolen green card.
However, if you are outside of the United States when your green card is lost or stolen, things can get more complicated. You will need to apply for a “reentry permit” from USCIS in order to return to the United States. This process can take several months, so it is important to plan ahead if you know you will be traveling abroad.
If you have any questions about traveling with a green card, or if you need help replacing a lost or stolen card, please contact USCIS for more information.
Traveling on Advance Parole
If you are a green card holder, you generally do not need a visa to enter the United States. However, if you plan to travel outside of the United States and re-enter using an advance parole document, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Advance parole is a document that allows certain individuals who are in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa to travel outside of the country and re-enter without having to obtain a new visa. Green card holders who have applied for Adjustment of Status (a process by which an individual who is already in the United States legally can apply for permanent residency) may be eligible for advance parole.
However, it is important to note that advance parole does not guarantee entry into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have discretion to deny entry to anyone they deem inadmissible, even if that person has a valid advance parole document.
There are certain restrictions on who is eligible for advance parole, so it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney before traveling outside of the United States on advance parole. Traveling on an expired or invalid document, or without proper documentation, can result in serious consequences, including being placed in removal proceedings and being barred from returning to the United States for many years.
Conclusion
U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) are allowed to travel freely within the United States and its territories, with some exceptions. If you are a Green Card holder, you should carry your passport or Green Card (also called an Alien Registration Card) with you to show to officials when requested. You may also be asked to show other documents, such as your I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record).
