Green Card Holders and their Rights and Responsibilities
Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) can be an expensive, anxiety inducing process. Even after approval, there are still several rules and responsibilities Green Card Holders must be aware of in order to protect their residency status here in the United States. More importantly, a Permanent Resident's conduct can affect their ability to become a U.S. citizen. The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is called "Naturalization" and most Green Card holders become eligible to apply once they've been an LPR for a certain amount of time.
As a permanent resident, you have the right to:
Live permanently anywhere in the United States.
Work in the United States.
Own a property in the United States.
Attend public school.
Apply for a driver’s license in your state or territory.
Join certain branches of the U.S. armed forces.
Receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare benefits if you are eligible.
Apply to become a U.S. citizen once you are eligible.
Request visas for your spouse and unmarried children to live in the United States.
Leave and return to the United States under certain conditions.
As a permanent resident, you must:
Obey all federal, state, and local laws.
Pay federal, state, and local income taxes.
Register with the Selective Service (U.S. armed forces), if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26. See page 18 for instructions.
Maintain your immigration status.
Carry proof of your permanent resident status at all times.
Change your address online or provide it in writing to USCIS within ten days of each time you move.
You can find tips about health care, finance, education or to learn more about the United States on the Guide for New Immigrants by clicking here . If you need assistance in preparing your Green Card or Naturalization applications, please contact our office as we are happy to provide free initial consultations.
About Us
The Law Office of Nicholas J. Mireles is an experienced Los Angeles based U.S. Immigration law firm that has been practicing immigration law since 2013. Our background makes us uniquely well suited to help you with any issue relating to your immigration status.
Law Office of Nicholas J. Mireles, APC
411 West 7th St. Ste 310 - Los Angeles, CA 90014
attorney@loonjm.com