Walker Morton

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The rights and responsibilities of legal permanent residents

On Behalf of | Nov 9, 2017 | US Immigration Law

There are a wide variety of reasons for foreign nationals to enter the United States. While some might visit Illinois and other states for tourism, others seek to make their stay more permanent. Although work visas help immigrants to enter and remain in the United States for a certain period of time, this does not make the move everlasting. Thus, if an individual seek to gain citizenship of the U.S., he or she will file for a green card in order to gain legal permanent residence.

When an immigrant is granted a green card, he or she has certain rights and responsibilities. These must be followed or this could interfere with his or her ability to maintain their green card, even making it challenging to establish citizenship down the line. Thus, it is vital that immigrants understand what is being asked of them when they obtain legal permanent residence.

When an individual is granted their green card, he or she is afforded certain rights other immigrants in the country to not get to enjoy. This includes the ability to live permanently in the U.S. Nonetheless; this right is only extended so long as the green card holder does not commit ay actions that could make them removable under immigration law. Green card holders also have the right to legally work in the U.S. provided they are qualified. Finally, green card holders are protected by all the laws of the United States, the state he or she resides in and the local jurisdiction of their residence.

Green card holders also have certain responsibilities. This includes obeying all the laws of the U.S., the states and localities, filing income tax returns and to report his or her income to the IRS, support the democratic form of government and to register with the selective service if they are a mal between 18 and 25 years old.

Obtaining a green card can open up a world of possibilities; however, it is a status that comes with many rights and responsibilities. Thus, it is not only important to understand how to obtain legal permanent residence of the U.S. but also how to maintain it.

Source: Uscis.gov, “Rights and Responsibilities of a Green Card Holder (Permanent Resident),” accessed Oct. 30, 2017

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