By Danielle Perez, Immigration Attorney
Key Takeaways
A green card allows you to live and work permanently in the United States as long as you maintain your permanent resident status.
Green card benefits can include more employment flexibility, international travel, and the ability to sponsor certain family members.
Green card holders might qualify for Social Security benefits if they meet the necessary work and eligibility requirements.
Permanent residents have important legal protections under U.S. law, but they don’t have all the same rights as U.S. citizens.
Most green cards are valid for 10 years, while certain conditional green cards are valid for two years.
For many permanent residents, a green card can eventually provide a path to U.S. citizenship once they meet the eligibility requirements.
For many immigrants, getting a green card is a major milestone that can make their life in the U.S. feel much more settled. One of the biggest benefits of a green card is the ability to live and work permanently in the U.S. without having to continually renew a temporary visa. But the green card benefits go far beyond that. In fact, U.S. permanent resident benefits can affect everything from your career and travel options to your family’s future in the country. If you need an immigration attorney, we can help you with everything from a K1 visa to family immigration and DACA renewal. Click the button below to request a consultation.
What are the Benefits of a Green Card?
Getting a green card can provide a deeper sense of stability in the United States and open up opportunities that may not be available with a temporary visa. Some of the biggest benefits of becoming a lawful permanent resident include:
Living permanently in the United States
Working more freely
Having more flexibility when changing jobs
Sponsoring certain family members
Traveling outside the United States
Accessing certain education and financial benefits, such as federal student aid
Creating a path toward U.S. citizenship
What are the Responsibilities Associated With a Green Card?
Having a green card comes with important responsibilities along with the benefits. Lawful permanent residents need to follow U.S. laws and take certain steps to maintain their status. Some of the main responsibilities include:
Obeying federal, state, and local laws: Certain criminal convictions or other violations can have serious immigration consequences.
Filing U.S. tax returns: Green card holders generally need to report their income and file applicable federal, state, and local tax returns.
Keeping your green card current: Although permanent resident status doesn't necessarily expire when the physical card does, most green cards must be renewed every 10 years.
Reporting a change of address: Permanent residents generally must notify US Citizenship and Immigration Services after moving, typically within 10 days.
Being careful with extended international travel: Spending a long period outside the United States can raise questions about whether you intended to maintain the U.S. as your permanent home, and can put your status at risk.
Registering for Selective Service when required: Most male permanent residents ages 18 through 25 are required to register with the Selective Service System, subject to limited exceptions.
When DO Your Green Card Benefits Begin?
Most green card benefits begin once you officially become a lawful permanent resident. If you apply from within the United States through adjustment of status, that generally happens when USCIS approves your application. If you receive an immigrant visa from abroad, you generally become a permanent resident when you’re admitted to the United States with that visa. From there, you can begin taking advantage of benefits such as living and working permanently in the U.S. even if your physical green card hasn’t arrived in the mail quite yet.
Do the Benefits Extend to Family Members?
Getting a green card can also open up opportunities for your family, but your green card benefits don’t automatically apply to them. As a permanent resident, you might be able to petition for your spouse and unmarried children to get green cards of their own. The process and how long it takes can vary depending on your relationship, your family member’s circumstances, and visa availability.
Can you get Social Security Benefits with a Green Card?
Yes, green card holders can qualify for Social Security benefits, but simply having one doesn’t necessarily make you eligible. You typically need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to earn the required work credits. Keep in mind that your age, work history, and the type of benefit you’re applying for can also affect eligibility. In some cases, permanent residents might also qualify for benefits based on a spouse’s or family member’s work record.
Can You Buy Property With a Green Card?
Yes. Green card holders can buy homes and other property in the United States. You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to become a homeowner. Having permanent resident status might also make it easier to qualify for certain types of mortgages, although approval will ultimately depend on factors such as your income, credit history, debt, and the lender’s requirements. Buying property, however, doesn’t provide any additional immigration status or guarantee U.S. citizenship.
What Legal Protections Do You Get With a Green Card?
Having a green card gives you several legal protections while living in the United States. However, a green card doesn't provide all the same rights as U.S. citizenship. Permanent residents can still face immigration consequences in certain circumstances, including for some criminal convictions or immigration violations. These include:
Protection under U.S. laws: You’re protected by federal, state, and local laws where they apply.
Workplace protections: Green card holders are covered by laws addressing issues such as workplace discrimination, wages, and unsafe working conditions
Due process rights: You generally have the right to due process if the government takes legal action that could affect your immigration status.
Protection against unlawful discrimination: Federal and state laws may protect you against certain forms of discrimination in employment, housing, and other areas.
Benefits you don’t get with a Green Card
Some important things permanent residents generally cannot do include:
Vote in federal elections: Voting in federal elections is reserved for U.S. citizens.
Hold certain government positions: Some federal jobs and elected offices require U.S. citizenship.
Get a U.S. passport: Green card holders continue to travel using a passport issued by their country of citizenship.
Sponsor as many types of relatives: U.S. citizens can petition for certain family members who aren't eligible for sponsorship by permanent residents.
Remain in the U.S. with the same protections as a citizen: Permanent residents can lose their status or face removal under certain circumstances.
Understanding the Benefits of a Green Card Conclusion
A green card can change a lot about your day-to-day life in the U.S., from where you can work to how you plan for your family’s future. But permanent residence also comes with certain rules that are important to understand. If you have questions about getting or keeping a green card, or you simply want to know what your next step should be, contact our team at Ginsburg & Perez. Our experienced attorneys can look at your specific situation and help you move forward with a clearer understanding of your options.
FAQs
Can Green Card Holders Travel Internationally?
Yes. Green card holders can generally travel internationally and return to the United States. However, spending extended periods outside the country can raise questions about whether you intended to maintain the U.S. as your permanent home. Trips lasting a year or longer can create additional complications, and if you expect to be outside the U.S. for more than a year, you may want to apply for a reentry permit before leaving.
What Are the Main Benefits of a Green Card?
The main benefits of a green card include the ability to live and work permanently in the United States, greater freedom to change jobs, the ability to sponsor certain family members, and a potential path to U.S. citizenship.
How Long Do Green Card Benefits Last?
Most green card benefits continue for as long as you maintain lawful permanent resident status. Your physical green card might expire, but expiration of the card itself doesn’t automatically mean your permanent resident status has ended.
Can You Sponsor Your Parents With a Green Card?
No. Green card holders can’t petition for their parents to receive green cards. Generally, you need to be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old to sponsor a parent for permanent residence.
How Long is a Green Card Valid?
Most green cards are valid for 10 years and can be renewed. Conditional green cards, which might be issued to certain marriage-based immigrants and investors, are generally valid for 2 years and require additional steps to remove the conditions on permanent residence.
*Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. You should obtain independent legal counsel regarding your specific factual situation.
