As a Miami immigration lawyer, I have helped numerous clients obtain their green cards. Being a green card holder (permanent resident of the United States) comes with rights and responsibilities. Below are some frequently asked questions.
What are my rights as a green card holder?
As a permanent resident (green card holder), you have the right to:
- Live permanently in the United States provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable under immigration law
- Work in the United States at any legal work of your qualification and choosing. (Please note that some jobs will be limited to U.S. citizens for security reasons)
- Be protected by all laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions
If you have any questions in regard to your rights as a green card holder (permanent resident), you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer.
What are my responsibilities as a green card holder?
As a permanent resident, you are:
- Required to obey all laws of the United States the states, and localities
- Required to file your income tax returns and report your income to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities
- Expected to support the democratic form of government and not to change the government through illegal means
- Required, if you are a male age 18 through 25, to register with the Selective Service
Again, if you have any questions in regard to your responsibilities as a green card holder, you should speak with a Miami immigration lawyer.
What are the benefits of U.S. Citizenship as compared with the benefits of a green card holder?
U.S. citizenship is the highest status someone can attain under U.S. immigration law. It means a permanent right to live in the United States, because citizens are not subject to the grounds of deportability that affect green card holders.
In addition, U.S. citizens can vote, and can petition for a longer list of foreign national family members to join them in the U.S. than permanent residents can.
If you have any questions in regard to the benefits of U.S. citizenship as compared with the benefits of a green card holder, you may want to speak with a Miami immigration lawyer.
If you would like more information on the rights and responsibilities of green card holders, or the benefits of U.S. citizenship, please contact Miami immigration lawyer Michael G. Murray, Esq. at (305) 895-2500 or visit our website at murraysilva.com.