Yes, it is possible to permanently live in the United States with a green card. A green card allows a foreign national to lawfully live and work permanently in the U.S. There are a few key things to understand about living permanently with a green card:
What is a Green Card?
A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a documentation issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that provides evidence of lawful permanent resident status in the United States. It allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently anywhere in the U.S.
Some key things to know about green cards:
- Green card holders can live and work permanently anywhere in the U.S.
- They can apply for most public benefits and government-sponsored financial aid.
- They can file petitions to bring certain family members to the U.S.
- They are protected under U.S. laws and have legal rights.
- They must pay U.S. income taxes on worldwide income.
There are several different ways to obtain a green card, such as through family sponsorship, employment, investment, asylum, or the diversity visa lottery. Each path has its own eligibility requirements.
Can Green Card Holders Permanently Live in the U.S.?
Yes, green card holders can live permanently in the United States. When granted a green card, they are giving lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. This means they can live and work anywhere in the country without time limits or geographical restrictions.
Lawful permanent residents can essentially live in the U.S. indefinitely, as long as they maintain their green card status and do not commit crimes or acts that could lead to deportation. There is no limit on how long green card holders can live in the U.S. ??? they have full permanent resident status.
Maintaining Green Card Status
To maintain permanent resident status, green card holders must:
- Renew their green cards every 10 years
- Spend a majority of time physically residing in the U.S.
- File U.S. tax returns reporting worldwide income
- Maintain continuous permanent residency and avoid abandoning status
- Avoid committing deportable criminal offenses
As long as these requirements are met, green card holders can continue to live permanently in the U.S. without any time restrictions. Their green cards essentially need to be renewed every 10 years by filing Form I-90 with USCIS.
Physical Presence Requirement
Green card holders must spend a majority of each year physically residing in the United States. Specifically, they cannot be outside the U.S. for more than:
- 1 continuous year
- More than 30 months over any 5-year period
There are some exceptions to these time limits, such as for study or overseas work assignment. Exceeding the limits could lead to green card abandonment unless a reentry permit is obtained before leaving the U.S.
Continuous Residence Requirement
Green card holders cannot “abandon” their permanent resident status. This means they must show ongoing commitment to living in the U.S. and cannot move abroad permanently. Indications of abandonment include:
- Moving to another country permanently
- Filing as a tax resident in another country
- Applying for permanent residence or citizenship in another country
- Spending a majority of time living abroad
Green card holders should file for a reentry permit if they need to be outside the U.S. for over 1 year to avoid a presumption of abandonment.
Criminal Activity
Green card holders found guilty of certain criminal offenses may lose their permanent resident status and face removal from the United States. These include:
- Aggravated felonies
- Crimes involving moral turpitude
- Two or more criminal convictions with aggregate sentences of 5+ years
- Drug offenses
- Firearm offenses
It is very important for green card holders to avoid criminal activities to maintain their status.
Benefits of Permanent Resident Status
There are many benefits that come with being a lawful permanent resident in the U.S.:
- Live and work anywhere in the U.S. – Green card holders have full authorization to live and work anywhere in the country. They are not limited to specific employers or geographical areas.
- Travel abroad – Green card holders can travel abroad and return freely to the U.S. as long as they maintain requirements.
- Government benefits – Permanent residents can access many public benefits like Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, food stamps, welfare.
- Financial aid – Green card holders qualify for federal student loans, grants, and many scholarships for education.
- Family – They can petition to bring certain family members like spouses, children, and parents to live in the U.S.
- Path to citizenship – They can apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency and other requirements.
Overall, permanent resident status provides protection under U.S. laws, the ability to live and work without restrictions, travel abroad, qualify for benefits, and pursue citizenship.
Risks of Losing Status
While green card holders can generally live permanently in the U.S., there are risks of losing permanent resident status if requirements are not met. These include:
- Green card expiring – status lost if not renewed every 10 years
- Abandonment – being outside U.S. too long
- Criminal activity – convicted of deportable offenses
- National security risks – violations like espionage, sabotage, threats
- Fraud – lying on green card application or misrepresentation
- Failure to file taxes or report income
- Ineligibility at time of getting green card – error made in application process
Green card holders who lose status would revert to their underlying immigration status or become undocumented immigrants subject to removal.
Options After Losing Green Card
If a green card holder loses permanent resident status, there may still be options to regain status or remain in the U.S. These options depend on the specific circumstances:
- Appeal decision – If USCIS revokes green card, the holder can appeal to an immigration judge.
- Reinstatement – In some abandonment cases, resident status can be reinstated by USCIS if outside the U.S. less than 1 year.
- New green card application – They may be able to apply again through family, employer, or reinstatement of old category.
- Nonimmigrant visa – Switch to a temporary visa like H-1B, L-1, or student visa.
- Waivers – Waivers may be available for some grounds of inadmissibility or deportation.
- Cancellation of removal – Individuals in removal proceedings can apply for cancellation and stay in U.S..
However, those convicted of aggravated felonies have very limited options other than leaving the U.S. Overall, it is best for green card holders to maintain status requirements and not risk losing permanent residency.
Conclusion
In summary, it is possible to permanently live in the United States as a lawful permanent resident with a green card. Green card holders can live and work anywhere in the country without time limits or geographical restrictions. To maintain permanent resident status, they must renew their green cards, meet physical presence and residency requirements, avoid criminal activity, and file U.S. taxes. While green card holders can permanently reside in the U.S., there are risks of losing status if requirements are not fulfilled. It is crucial for permanent residents to maintain their green card validity and eligibility at all times.