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A Green Card gives individuals more than the ability to live and work in the United States — it offers various advantages that can improve your quality of life.
We’ll explore the key Green Card benefits and how a Green Card compares to U.S. citizenship.
Looking to apply for a Green Card?
Bradford H. Bernstein
This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
View Brad's Bio
Benefits Of A Green Card
Work flexibility and family reunions are only two of the many advantages a Green Card offers, which can enhance your personal and professional life.
Authorization For Work
With a Green Card, you can work in the United States for any company, in any industry, from healthcare to technology, without an employment visa.
Ability To Sponsor Family Members For Green Cards
A Green Card allows you to petition to bring family members, such as a spouse or unmarried children to the U.S. and help them get Green Cards.
Access To Benefits
A Green Card gives you the right to social benefits such as healthcare, social security, childcare assistance, food stamps, and more.
Protection From Deportation
As a Green Card holder, you are protected from deportation as long as you follow U.S. laws. Deportation is only permitted if you commit a serious criminal offense or immigration violation.
Education Benefits
A Green Card lets you pay in-state tuition fees at universities and get federal financial aid and student loans to help you with education costs.
Travel Flexibility
Having a Green Card makes it easier to enter and exit the U.S. compared to a visa. Always check if you need a re-entry permit if you plan to take an extended trip. Read more about Green Card vs. visa in our detailed guide.
Opportunity To Pursue Citizenship
A Green Card gives you the right to apply for U.S. citizenship after you have had it for five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen). Citizenship provides additional rights like voting in federal, state, and local elections and applying for federal jobs.
Green Card Responsibilities
A Green Card doesn’t bring only benefits — it comes with a number of responsibilities.
Obligation To Obey U.S. Laws
As a Green Card holder, you must follow all federal, state, and local laws. Serious violations can affect your immigration status and lead to deportation.
Requirement To File U.S. Taxes
Regardless of where you live or work, if you have a Green Card, you must report your income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state tax authorities. You must also file U.S. income taxes each year.
Responsibility To Carry Proof Of Status
To demonstrate that you are a lawful permanent resident, you must carry your Green Card with you at all times.
Responsibility To Avoid Extended Absences
Long absences can put your permanent residency status at risk, that’s why you should not stay outside the U.S. for periods longer than one year without a re-entry permit in hand. To be on the safe side, it is recommended that you do not stay out of the U.S. for more than six months in any one trip.
If you intend to be abroad for an extended period, you must apply for a re-entry permit by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), while on U.S. soil. You cannot file for the re-entry permit from outside the U.S. but can retrieve the approved document at a foreign U.S. consulate if you so choose.
Signing Up For Selective Service
The U.S. Selective Service System requires male Green Card holders between the ages of 18 and 25 to register. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, including ineligibility for certain benefits or U.S. citizenship.
Green Card vs. Citizenship
You can live and work in the United States for as long as you like with a Green Card, accessing a number of social advantages and possibilities. It does, however, have several drawbacks:
- You cannot vote in federal elections.
- Criminal acts or prolonged absences from the U.S. may result in the revocation of your status.
- You must remove conditions if you have a conditional Green Card.
U.S. citizenship is the highest immigration status in the United States, providing you with:
- Full voting rights
- Ability to run for public office
- Full protection from deportation or losing status due to extended stays abroad
- More chances to sponsor family members for immigration
It can be obtained either by birth or through naturalization.
Need Help With The Green Card Process? Schedule A Consultation
The Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein have 60+ years of experience in the practice of immigration law.
From filing different immigration forms to addressing legal challenges, we give each client the professional approach and compassion they need on their immigration journey.
If you are applying for a Green Card, we will prepare and file all documents and evidence, increasing your chances of approval.
If you are already in the United States, we will help you adjust your status, ensuring that your Green Card application meets the immigration laws requirements, and that you are well prepared for your interview. (Read more about Green Card marriage interview questions).
If you are outside the U.S. and need to go through consular processing, we’ll support you every step of the way, helping you prepare for the visa interview and submitting your documentation to the National Visa Center (NVC).
If you have a conditional Green Card, we’ll help you remove conditions on residency and get a 10-year-valid Green Card.
Need help with the Green Card process?
FAQs On The Benefits Of A Green Card
Continue reading to find out more about the benefits of obtaining a Green Card.
Can I open a business in the U.S. if I have a Green Card?
Yes, you can launch and run your own company in the U.S., if you have a Green Card without further authorizations or limitations.
Do I qualify for retirement benefits if I have a Green Card?
Yes, you can receive Social Security benefits if you’ve worked and paid into the system for the required number of years — typically 10 years.
Can I use unemployment benefits if I have a Green Card?
Yes, if you lose your job, you may qualify for unemployment benefits. To do so, you must meet the eligibility criteria, such as work history and residency requirements.
Can my children attend public schools if I have a Green Card?
Yes, your children can attend public schools in the U.S. for free, from kindergarten through high school, if you have a Green Card.
Does having a Green Card protected me under U.S. labor laws?
Yes, you have the same protections as U.S. citizen if you have a Green Card.
Can I apply for the same government jobs as U.S. citizens?
No, some federal jobs and positions require security clearances — they are reserved for U.S. citizens only.
Who can sponsor more family members — a U.S. citizen or a Green Card holder?
A U.S. citizen can sponsor more family categories than a Green Card holder, such as parents and siblings, which Green Card holders are not allowed to do.
Can I buy property in the U.S. with a Green Card?
Yes, you can buy property just like U.S. citizens, if you are a Green Card holder.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for a Green Card?
It is not required to work with a lawyer. However, working with one can provide peace of mind, knowing that your application is accurate and there are fewer possibilities of delays or denials.
How can a lawyer help with my Green Card?
At Spar & Bernstein, our knowledgeable and compassionate lawyers will collect and submit the necessary paperwork and stand up for you in the event of complications.
Can a lawyer speed up the Green Card process?
A lawyer can help avoid delays as they ensure timely and accurate filing. However, they cannot speed up the application process.
If my Green Card application is denied, can a lawyer help?
Yes, our experienced lawyers at Spar & Bernstein will look into the reasons for denial and assist you with filing an appeal or reapplying.
What lawyer do I need for my Green Card application?
Look for an immigration lawyer with experience in Green Card cases, a good reputation, a clear understanding of your specific situation, and a compassionate approach to your circumstances.
Can a lawyer help to renew my Green Card?
Yes, our attorneys at Spar & Bernstein can help with the renewal procedure, ensuring you meet all requirements if your Green Card is due to expire or if you have misplaced or damaged it.
How can I know if I need a lawyer for my Green Card?
Working with a lawyer sounds like a good idea, if you have a complex case — for example, previous visa issues, a criminal history, or a complex family situation. Contact our team at Spar & Bernstein for legal help.
Does a Green Card make me a U.S. citizen?
No, a Green Card does not give you U.S. citizenship — it only allows you to live and work in the country. However, with a Green Card, you can apply for naturalization after meeting the requirements.
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