In the United States, legal permanent residents are those who are entitled to a Green Card, a document that makes it possible to live, work, and study in the country that offers the best opportunities and quality of life on the planet. Many Brazilians dream of having a Green Card, but do you know about all rights and responsibilities of being a permanent resident in the country? Check it out:
RIGHTS AS A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE USA
- Live permanently anywhere in the U.S.;
- Work freely in the U.S.;
- Attend educational institutions, including public schools;
- Join certain sectors of the U.S. Armed Forces;
- Have Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare benefits if you meet the requirements;
- Apply for U.S. citizenship, after proving that you have been a permanent resident in the U.S. for at least five years;
- Apply for immigrant visas so that spouses and unmarried children can live in the United States;
- Leave and return to the United States as needed, as long as you do not exceed the time allowed.
RESPONSIBILITIES AS A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE USA
- Obey all laws of the United States and localities;
- File your income tax returns and report your income to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities;
- Register with the Selective Service, if you are a male age 18 through 25;
- Respect the time allowed to be absent from the USA: no longer than a year;
- If you change your address, city, or U.S. state, report your new address to USCIS within 10 days from the date you moved.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you plan on being absent from the United States for longer than a year, it is advisable to first apply for a reentry permit on Form I-131. Obtaining a reentry permit prior to leaving the United States allows a permanent or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission into the United States during the permit’s validity without the need to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
To replace or renew your Green Card (in the case of temporary Green Cards), you must submit Form I-90 and pay a fee to USCIS. You may access Form I-90 from the USCIS website: www.uscis.gov. However, a conditional permanent resident (CR), based on a marriage to a U.S. citizen or entrepreneurship, who has received a 2-year Green Card. You should not use Form I-90 to apply for an extension or renewal of your status, in this case, you must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence before the Green Card expires.
Always be very careful with your Green Card and avoid providing your Green Card number to too many people. There are many types of fraud in the USA concerning the use of Green Cards and Social Security Numbers. Keep your document numbers to yourself whenever possible.
18+: If you are a permanent resident age 18 or older, you are required to have a valid Green Card in your possession at all times. You must show it to an immigration officer or police officer if requested.
As a rule, Green Card holders have the same rights and responsibilities as any U.S. citizen, except that they cannot vote or hold any public or political positions that require U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
When you register with Selective Services, if you are from 16 to 26 years old, you declare to the government that you are available to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces, should the need arise.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PERMANENT RESIDENTS (GREEN CARD HOLDERS), PLEASE CONTACT THE AG IMMIGRATION TEAM, WE WILL BE GLAD TO HELP YOU.
If your dream is to live and work legally in the USA, count on AG Immigration.
I am an immigration expert with an in-depth understanding of the rights and responsibilities associated with being a legal permanent resident in the United States. My knowledge stems from extensive research, practical experience, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest immigration regulations.
Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
Rights as a Permanent Resident of the USA:
- Live permanently anywhere in the U.S.: Legal permanent residents have the privilege to reside in any part of the United States.
- Work freely in the U.S.: Permanent residents can engage in employment without the need for special authorization.
- Attend educational institutions, including public schools: They have access to education, including public schools.
- Join certain sectors of the U.S. Armed Forces: Permanent residents can enlist in specific branches of the U.S. military.
- Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare: Eligibility for these benefits is granted, provided the requirements are met.
- Apply for U.S. citizenship: After residing as a permanent resident for at least five years, one can apply for U.S. citizenship.
- Apply for immigrant visas: Permanent residents can sponsor spouses and unmarried children for immigrant visas.
- Leave and return to the U.S.: There's flexibility in terms of travel, with adherence to allowed timeframes.
Responsibilities as a Permanent Resident of the USA:
- Obey all laws: Adherence to U.S. and local laws is mandatory.
- File income tax returns: Reporting income to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities is a responsibility.
- Register with the Selective Service: Males aged 18 through 25 must register.
- Respect the allowed time to be absent from the USA: Extended absences must be managed appropriately.
- Report address changes: Any change in address, city, or U.S. state must be reported within 10 days to USCIS.
Additional Information:
- Reentry permit: If planning to be absent for over a year, obtaining a reentry permit is advisable to facilitate return without a returning resident visa.
- Green Card renewal: Form I-90 and a fee submission to USCIS are necessary for Green Card renewal.
- Conditional permanent residents: Those with a 2-year Green Card based on marriage or entrepreneurship use Form I-751 for status extension or renewal.
- Protecting Green Card: Being cautious about sharing Green Card numbers due to potential fraud risks.
- Age 18+: Permanent residents aged 18 or older must carry a valid Green Card and present it upon request to immigration or police officers.
- Rights and responsibilities: Generally, Green Card holders have the same rights and responsibilities as U.S. citizens, with a few exceptions.
Selective Service Registration:
- Declaration of availability: Selective Service registration indicates the availability to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces if required.
This information provides a comprehensive overview of the rights and responsibilities associated with being a legal permanent resident in the United States. If you seek further clarification or assistance, feel free to reach out to the AG Immigration Team.
