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Rights and Responsibilities of Holding a Green Card

A number of people from different countries worldwide seek a green card to the US as they believe its
legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity. The Green card is a permanent resident card given to an
immigrant, enabling them to legally reside in the United States. Along with this privilege and the rights
that it entails, holding a green card also requires a person to be responsible in certain areas in order to
maintain their status as a US citizen.

Acquisition

There are various ways in which an individual may qualify to get a green card; through a family member
already living in the United States, by working in the United States, by seeking asylum, or even through
winning a green card lottery. The latter is the most common way in which most people acquire a green
card, though there are many more ways in which a person can get permanent residence in the U.S.

Rights after acquisition

There are several rights and privileges that a person can acquire once they get a green card. He or she
has the right to live and work anywhere in the US as long as he or she remains within the required rules
and regulations and qualifications. Aside from this, owning properties such as a parcel of land or a
vehicle is also allowed. Green card holders are also protected by the U.S government, state of residence
and local jurisdictions. If a green card holder wants, he or she can also join certain branches of the US
armed forces.

Benefits

Most of the people who seek to get a green card are usually driven by the benefits that come along with
it. These benefits include the ability to leave and return to the U.S without using a visa, get social
security, acquire supplementary income, and use Medicare benefits depending on eligibility. Green card
holders can also apply for a driver’s license, as well as apply for a US citizenship in the later stages of
their stay in the country.

Responsibilities and Revocation

As much as you have rights and benefits once you have a green card, there are responsibilities that you
have to observe to enable your permanent residence stature to remain. These responsibilities include
observance of all federal, state, and local laws. Aside from this, green card holders are expected to pay
federal, state, and local income taxes, as well as file income tax returns and submit income statements
to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state taxing authorities.

Green card holders are also required to register with the Selective Service of the U.S. Armed Forces, if
they are a male between ages 18 and 26. They are also expected to carry proof of their permanent
resident status at all times, as well as notifying the government within 10 days if they have changed
their address or move to another location. They are also expected to support the democratic form of
government and not to change or undermine it through illegal means. If a green card holder has been
proven not to follow any of these rules, their special residency status can be taken away from them.

References:

http://www.china.org.cn/english/LivinginChina/184128.htm

http://www.uscis.gov

http://www.greencards.com.au/en/lottery

US Green Card Holders Rights And Responsibilities