The document that people call a green card is technically a permanent resident card. It is an indicator that an individual can stay in the United States of America indefinitely. While permanent residents do not have all of the same rights and privileges as citizens do, they do have more protection than those who only have visas.
For many immigrants, a green card is their final goal after entering the United States. They don’t necessarily want to become citizens as long as they can remain in the country permanently. Permanent resident status is a bit of a misnomer. Contrary to what people sometimes think, a green card does not guarantee lawful residence in the United States for the rest of someone’s life.
Green cards require renewal
A permanent resident card is typically only valid for 10 years. The immigrant who adjusts their status to obtain a green card has to submit paperwork every decade. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) performs a background check to ensure that the permanent resident still meets the necessary standard for continued residence in the United States. A failure to file paperwork on time could lead to someone losing their permanent resident status. Certain serious criminal offenses could also put an individual at risk of removal despite securing a green card.
Some green cards are conditional
People who secure a green card through marriage or engagement are subject to more restrictions than those who qualify for a standard green card through employment or other family relationships. If the marriage has not already lasted two years at the time an immigrant obtains a green card, they only receive a conditional green card. They have to apply to remove the conditional status after two years or risk the loss of their green card. If they do not remain married for that full two years, they could be ineligible to remove their conditional status and renew their green card.
When immigrants follow the right procedures, a green card can allow for long-term or even permanent residence in the United States. Small mistakes or criminal convictions could put a permanent residence status at risk. Learning more about green cards and naturalization can help immigrants choose the options that will provide them with the most protection, especially if they enter the country through marriage. Green cards are useful tools if people understand the limitations imposed on them.