The U.S green card comes with several privileges, among them being the right to legally live and work in the country. However, it is important to understand the privileges and limitations that come with being a green card holder.
If you are a foreign national with a U.S permanent residence visa, you need to appreciate that your right to stay in the country is conditional. For instance, you can lose your green card if you do not live up to the terms of your visa.
So what are your obligations as a U.S permanent resident?
The green card visa permits you to live and work legally in the United States. And while you can periodically travel outside the country, you will be required to maintain the U.S as your primary country of residence. During your stay, you will be required to fulfill the following responsibilities:
- Obey the laws of the United States (both federal as well as your state)
- Pay your taxes and file an income report with the IRS
Here are some of the reasons you can lose your permanent residency status
A criminal conviction
Of course, not all criminal convictions will end in your deportation from the country. That said, a conviction for offenses like violent crimes, murder, domestic violence, fraud and drug and human trafficking may well lead to the revocation of your green card.
Abandonment
You can freely travel in and out of the U.S while on a green card visa. However, staying away from the country for too long can be problematic. If you intend to be away from the U.S for more than six months, be sure to notify the government about this.
As a permanent resident of the U.S, you have the privilege to live and work in the country for as long as you wish. Find out how you can safeguard your rights and privileges while on in the U.S as a green card visa holder.
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