Permanent residents, commonly known as Green Card holders, possess a myriad of rights under US law. These rights include:
Key Facts
- Freedom from discrimination: Permanent residents are granted the right to be free from discrimination based on ethnicity, race, and national origin.
- Right to live and work: Permanent residents have the right to live permanently in the United States, provided they do not commit any actions that would make them removable under immigration law. They also have the right to work in the United States at any legal work of their qualification and choosing.
- Protection under the law: Permanent residents are protected by all laws of the United States, their state of residence, and local jurisdictions.
- Access to education, healthcare, and housing: Permanent residents have rights to education, employment, healthcare, housing, and other benefits available to U.S. citizens.
- Ability to adjust immigration status: Permanent residents can adjust their immigration status through naturalization, which allows them to become U.S. citizens.
Responsibilities of Permanent Residents in the USA:
- Obeying laws: Permanent residents are required to obey all laws of the United States and localities.
- Filing taxes: Permanent residents are required to file income tax returns and report their income to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
- Supporting the democratic form of government: Permanent residents are expected to support the democratic form of government, although they cannot vote in federal, state, or local elections.
- Registering with the Selective Service: Male permanent residents aged 18 through 25 are required to register with the Selective Service.
- Freedom from Discrimination: Permanent residents are protected against discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and national origin.
- Right to Live and Work: Permanent residents can reside permanently in the United States and work in any legal occupation of their choice, subject to security restrictions.
- Protection under the Law: Permanent residents enjoy the protection of all laws applicable to US citizens, including those at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Access to Education, Healthcare, and Housing: Permanent residents are entitled to access education, employment, healthcare, housing, and other benefits available to US citizens.
- Ability to Adjust Immigration Status: Permanent residents can pursue naturalization, a process that allows them to become US citizens.
Responsibilities of Permanent Residents in the USA
While enjoying these rights, permanent residents also have certain responsibilities:
- Obeying Laws: Permanent residents are obligated to comply with all laws of the United States and their local jurisdictions.
- Filing Taxes: Permanent residents must file income tax returns and report their income to the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities.
- Supporting the Democratic Form of Government: Permanent residents are expected to support the democratic system of government, though they are ineligible to vote in federal, state, or local elections.
- Registering with the Selective Service: Male permanent residents between the ages of 18 and 25 must register with the Selective Service.
Sources
- Immigrants: Your Rights as a Permanent Resident
- Rights and Responsibilities of a Green Card Holder (Permanent Resident)
- Demystifying Green Card Holder Status: Rights, Responsibilities, and Maintenance Tips
FAQs
What is a permanent resident?
A permanent resident, also known as a Green Card holder, is an individual who has been granted the right to live and work permanently in the United States.
What rights do permanent residents have?
Permanent residents have the right to live and work in the United States, as well as the right to access education, healthcare, and housing. They are also protected from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and national origin.
What responsibilities do permanent residents have?
Permanent residents are required to obey all laws of the United States and their local jurisdictions. They must also file income tax returns and support the democratic form of government.
Can permanent residents become US citizens?
Yes, permanent residents can apply for naturalization, which is the process of becoming a US citizen.
Do permanent residents have the right to vote?
No, permanent residents cannot vote in federal, state, or local elections.
Can permanent residents travel outside the United States?
Yes, permanent residents can travel outside the United States, but they must have a valid Green Card and may need to obtain a re-entry permit if they plan to be gone for an extended period of time.
Can permanent residents sponsor family members for immigration?
Yes, permanent residents can sponsor certain family members for immigration, such as spouses, children, and parents.
Can permanent residents lose their status?
Yes, permanent residents can lose their status if they commit certain crimes, fail to maintain their residency, or engage in other activities that violate immigration law.