Wednesday, August 15, 2012

The Rights of Permanent Residents or Green Card Holders

By Charles Wheeler


The phrase "green card" actually refers to the issuing of a permanent residence card, officially from the INS form I-151 application. The reason is took on the name "green card" is because the olive green background that the card possessed, specifically from 1946 through 1964, and again starting in 2010.

The holder of a green card obtains certain rights in the United States. Included in this, would be the right to stay in the nation indefinitely, the ability to work at any kind of work for that they are capable to do, along with the right to obtain citizenship following a certain period of time, determined by their situation.

There are several classifications for eligibility of residency. They are grouped into three categories. The first is the family qualification. An applicant can apply for a a residence card if there are immediate family members who are either citizens or permanent residents.

There is a group of eligibility classifications that has to do with employment. If a worker can find certain work, or if an employer chooses to sponsor a worker, there are ways for applying for a permanent residency.

The third group is for refugees or asylum seekers. Each of these three categories also has limits set on how many residents can enter in a given year. The number of applicants typically exceeds these quotas, and the waiting time for an applicant can be anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on type of eligibility that the individual has.

Other rights afforded to card holders are the rights to petition for a family member to enter the country. A resident pays taxes and is eligible for public assistance. One can also start paying in on the Social Security program and expect to receive benefits from that program once eligible.

Penalties also exist where one can lose their issued card. The holder must obey laws and not be found guilty of any crime. If one has entered the country on account of relationship to a spouse, that relationship must continue for a chosen period of time. Likewise, if an individual entered under employment eligibility, the term of employment must go on for a specified amount of time.

If a resident takes a job in another country, their residence is terminated in this country. If one leaves the country and doesn't return for one year, they must start the process over. Finally, if they do not pay their taxes, the conditions of their residency are terminated.

Many people seek to enter the United States in a legal manner. By doing so, they are afforded certain rights and a path to citizenship. This is seen as an honorable opportunity by most.




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