Rights & Obligations of Legal Permanent Residents

Rights of Legal Permanent Residents

A green card holder or legal permanent resident (LPR) has the following rights:

• Work and reside in the United States;
• Ability to petition one’s spouse and children;
• Travel without restriction domestically across the United States;
• Travel internationally and return being regarded as seeking admission absent certain circumstances;
• Travel internationally and return as long as one doesn’t abandon residence;
• Be protected under the laws of the state the LPR is residing in;
• Join the United States armed forces;
• Receive a rage of public benefits and eligible to apply for a social security card;
• Entitled to tuition assistance;
• Own property or business; and
• Entitled to apply for naturalization if eligible.

Obligations of Legal Permanent Residents

With rights, an LPR has obligations including but not limited to:

• Notifying USCIS of an address change by filing an AR-11;
• Ensuring that one does not abandon residence;
• Carrying one’s green card at all times;
• If one’s residence is conditional, timely removing conditions;
• Ensuring that one does not commit an act or offense that triggers deportation;
• Paying taxes;
• Register with selective service if required;
• Timely renewing one’s green card; and
• Obeying all state, federal and local laws.

While legal permanent residence is often sought by those living abroad, once one does become a permanent resident, one should consider applying for U.S. citizenship.

As a U.S. citizen, one has significantly more rights including the right to vote and work in certain government positions that would not be available for LPRs including many other rights.  If you are considering to apply for U.S. citizenship, contact the Law Firm of Kyce Siddiqi at the soonest.