The journey toward obtaining a US Green Card represents a pivotal achievement for many immigrants as it confers the legal right to reside and work in the United States.
This permanent residency status, while providing numerous opportunities, is accompanied by a set of responsibilities and risks that applicants must thoroughly understand and navigate. According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), maintaining permanent residency necessitates strict compliance with immigration laws. Failure to adhere to these regulations can lead to severe consequences, including the potential loss of residency status and deportation.
Grounds for deportation identified by USCIS include involvement in criminal activities, fraudulent claims during the Green Card application process, and aiding unauthorized entries into the US. Particularly egregious offences such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and participation in terrorist activities can trigger immediate deportation proceedings. Legal permanent residents must also be wary of misrepresenting their immigration status.
Engaging in activities such as voting in US elections, which is reserved for citizens, or misclassifying themselves as nonimmigrants for tax purposes can jeopardize their residency. Additionally, a permanent resident who relocates abroad with no intention of returning may unintentionally abandon their US residency, which can lead to the loss of their Green Card.
In the initial five years of receiving a Green Card, holders remain vulnerable to rescission proceedings if it is revealed that their application was incorrectly approved or if they were ineligible under existing legal provisions. Such situations can culminate in the termination of permanent residency and subsequent removal proceedings. Despite potential risks, Green Card holders benefit from significant rights, including the ability to reside and work throughout the US.
Additionally, they enjoy protections under federal, state, and local laws. However, these privileges come with corresponding responsibilities. Permanent residents are obliged to pay federal and state taxes, participate in democratic governance, and, if required, register with Selective Service. The intricate balance between rights and responsibilities underscores the essential need for Green Card holders to remain vigilant in their adherence to US laws.
