Understanding the Green Card: Essential Facts
This article offers comprehensive insights into Green Cards, including their history, purpose, application process, renewal procedures, and eligibility criteria. It helps prospective applicants understand the steps and requirements for permanent residency in the country, emphasizing the importance of compliance and proper documentation for maintaining lawful status.
Understanding the Green Card: Essential Facts
Key Information About the Green Card
The Green Card, commonly known as the lawful permanent residency card, grants individuals the authorization to live and work permanently in the country. Obtaining this status involves a three-step process. If you are 18 or older and a permanent resident, you must carry your Green Card at all times. Failing to do so can result in up to 30 days of detention and a $100 fine. Green Card holders must adhere to specific conditions to avoid deportation.
The Green Card was originally called the Alien Registration Card, named for its distinct green color, a nickname that persisted even after color changes.
Purpose of the Green Card
The Green Card serves as official proof of permanent residency and identity, confirming the holder’s lawful status in the country.
It confers benefits such as the right to reside, work, and access certain social services.
Eligibility Criteria for Applying
Applicants can qualify based on family connections, employment, refugee or asylee status, victims of crime or trafficking, or through registry if they've lived continuously since January 1, 1972.
Other categories include special immigrants and victims of abuse.
Application Process
Eligible individuals must complete the Green Card application form and submit an immigration petition.
In most cases, the applicant files their own petition, but sometimes it must be filed by someone else on their behalf.
Common Petition Forms
Petition for alien relative
Petition for alien worker
Petition for refugee or asylee relative
Petition for special immigrants and entrepreneurs
Petition for nonimmigrant status
Renewing Your Green Card
Cards issued between January 1977 and August 1989 do not require renewal, as they lack an expiry date.
For permanent residents with a 10-year card, renewal is initiated by submitting Form I-90 online or by mail, 90 days before expiry.
Conditional residents have a 2-year card, which cannot be renewed but must be replaced or have conditions removed before expiry.
Failing to remove conditions can lead to loss of permanent residency.
