Becoming A Permanent Resident Of The U.S.
People immigrating to the United States understand the value of a legal permanent resident (LPR) status. Traditionally, “green cards” have been the ticket to opportunity. Permanent residency status allows immigrants to live and work in the U.S. without any deadline.
Permanent residents can work at any job and do not have to return to their home countries. At the same time, you can normally leave and return to the U.S. anytime you want as long as your green card is still valid.
However, a green card is not citizenship. A legal permanent resident cannot vote. A green card also carries with it responsibilities. In particular, you should file income tax returns every year just as citizens do. If you hope to become a citizen in a few years, you will want to be especially careful not to break any laws. A criminal record can block you from obtaining or renewing a green card or from becoming a citizen.
You may be eligible for a green card in one or more of these ways:
- You are married to an American (or will be very soon).
- You are in the U.S. on a temporary employment visa and now you wish to seek adjustment of your status to something more permanent.
- You qualify for some reason such as identity as an Amerasian child (born in Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Kampuchea [Cambodia] or Thailand between January 1, 1951 and October 21, 1982, fathered by a U.S. citizen).
Get the facts and help you need if you believe you may qualify for a green card. Contact our immigration lawyers in Dallas and learn how we can help you through the process of becoming a legal permanent resident in the U.S.