Green card holders are legally authorized to live and work permanently in the United States. If you’re a green card holder, you enjoy many benefits that aren’t available to those with other types of visas.

If you’re wondering about the benefits of having a green card, read on to learn more.

What does having a green card mean?

A green card gives you official permission to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. Once you have a green card, you can come and go from the country as you please. You’re also allowed to apply for citizenship if you meet the eligibility requirements.

What are the benefits of having a green card?

Numerous benefits come with being a green card holder, such as:

You are eligible to apply for a U.S citizenship after three years.

Once you have a green card, you can start the process of becoming a U.S citizen after just three years if you are married to a U.S citizen. If not, you may acquire a green card after 5 years. This is one of the major benefits of holding a green card, as it gives you a path to citizenship and all the rights and privileges that come with it.

You can sponsor family members for green cards

As a permanent resident, you can sponsor certain family members to come live in the United States by sponsoring their green card application. This includes your spouse, children, parents, and siblings.

You have protection from deportation

One of the main benefits of having a green card is that it protects you from being deported from the United States. Green card holders are allowed to live and work in the country permanently, provided they don’t violate the terms of their status.

You have the right to a jury trial

Green card holders are entitled to a jury trial in criminal and civil cases, just like U.S citizens. This is a fundamental right that gives green card holders added protection under the law.

You can freely travel in and out of the United States

One of the benefits of being a permanent resident is that you can come and go from the United States as you please. There’s no need to apply for a visa every time you want to enter the country – simply show your green card at the border control and you’ll be allowed in.

You have access to federally-funded benefits

As a green card holder, you’re entitled to many of the same benefits as U.S citizens, such as access to federally-funded programs like Medicaid and food stamps. You’re also eligible for student financial aid and can apply for government jobs.

You have the right to own property

One of the great things about being a green card holder is that you’re allowed to own property in the United States. This gives you the security of knowing that you have a place to live even if your immigration status changes in the future.

You can live and work anywhere in the United States

Green card holders are not restricted to living or working in any particular state or region – they can live and work anywhere in the country. This gives you the flexibility to move to wherever you want, whether it’s for work, family, or lifestyle reasons.

You can apply for any jobs in the United States

As a green card holder, you’re allowed to work in any job that you’re qualified for. This means you can apply for jobs without worrying about whether your visa will be accepted.

You have the right to due process

One of the critical benefits of having a green card is that you cannot be deported from the United States without due process. This means that the government must have a valid reason for deporting you, and you have the right to fight your deportation in court.

You can receive federal financial aid for education

As a green card holder, you’re eligible for federal financial aid for higher education, including loans and grants. This can make pursuing your educational goals easier and more affordable in the United States.

You have the right to vote

After five years of being a permanent resident, you can apply for naturalization and become a U.S citizen. Once you’re a citizen, you have the right to vote in all federal, state, and local elections. Voting is one of the most important ways to influence the country’s direction, so this is a significant benefit of holding a green card.

Rights of Green Card Holder

Some many rights and privileges come with being a green card holder, such as:

Right to live permanently in the U.S

As a green card holder, you have the right to live permanently in the United States. You can also work and travel freely in the country.

Right to legally work in the U.S.

Green card holders have the right to legally work in the United States. You can work for any employer that is willing to sponsor you, and there is no limit on the type of work you can do.

Right to be protected by U.S laws

As a green card holder, you have the right to be protected by all U.S laws, including the Constitution and Bill of Rights. You also have the right to a jury trial in criminal and civil cases.

Green Card Holder Responsibilities

Certain responsibilities come with being a green card holder, such as:

Obeying U.S laws
Paying taxes
Registering for Selective Service (if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26)
Informing authorities of any changes in your address or marital status
Notifying authorities if you plan to be outside of the United States for more than one year
Renewing your green card every 10 years (unless you become a U.S citizen)

What are some limitations of having a green card?

There are a few limitations to having a green card, such as:

You are not a U.S citizen and cannot vote in elections
You cannot hold certain jobs that require U.S citizenship
You may be deported if you commit certain crimes or violate the terms of your green card
You are not automatically entitled to government benefits, such as Social Security or Medicare
You may have to wait several years to apply for U.S citizenship
You may not be able to bring your family members to the United States immediately

Who cannot obtain a green card?

Anyone is:

Convicted of a crime of moral turpitude
A habitual drunkard
Addicted to illegal drugs
Diseased or suffering from a mental illness
Likely to become a public charge (dependent on the government for financial support)

There are a few limitations to having a green card, but overall it is a benefit to be a legal permanent resident of the United States.

Get a Green Card Today!

Now that you know the benefits of having a green card, it’s time to start the application process. At the Law Offices of Fadel A. Ibrahim, PLLC, we can help you through every step of the process so that you can get your green card as quickly and easily as possible.

Last updated on November 15, 2022

Benefits of a Green Card Holder