The United States Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card, is an identification document used to prove that a foreign national has permanent resident status within the United States of America. "Obtaining a green card" refers to the immigration process of becoming a permanent resident. The legal permanent residency of a green card holder is an immigration benefit granted by the authorities, which includes permission to reside and work in the United States conditionally.
What rights do green card holders have?
1. Reside permanently, attend school, and work anywhere within the United States and its territories (except for certain federal government positions);
2. Receive protection under federal, state, and local laws;
3. Apply for visas for a spouse or unmarried children to reside in the United States;
4. Apply for green cards for relatives, including a spouse or children, subject to visa availability and priority dates;
5. Qualify for "Social Security," "Supplemental Security Income," and medical benefits, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. This is often subject to specific state regulations;
6. Apply for a driver's license in any state or U.S. territory;
7. Possess voting rights in certain elections that do not require U.S. citizenship;
8. In many states, green card holders can attend public universities/colleges and pay in-state tuition;
9. Permanent residents can enter and exit the United States freely; generally, they can return to the U.S. with their green card as long as they have not been absent for more than one year;
10. Holding a U.S. green card allows for visa-free travel to certain countries, such as Canada, Mexico, and South Korea;
11. Finally, as a permanent resident, one may apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen after meeting the eligibility requirements.
What social benefits can U.S. green card holders enjoy?
1. Enjoy benefits stipulated by the U.S. government (e.g., every family member can freely enter and exit the U.S. at any time and reside in the United States);
2. Lower cost of living compared to many industrialized nations (e.g., children attending colleges and universities can pay the same tuition as state residents);
3. Students can work legally while studying;
4. Enjoy the various economic environments, outstanding employment opportunities, and superior standard of living in the United States;
5. Access social benefits such as public education, medical insurance, and social security; additionally, through appropriate application procedures, one may sponsor other family members to come to the United States.