Rights & Responsibilities

The privileges that can be experienced as a green card holder in the U.S. also come with certain rights & responsibilities.

Permanent residents of the United States will be issued a green card, which acts as solid proof that they have been officially authorized to both live and work in the U.S. Accordingly, persons 18 years of age and older are expected to carry their green card with them at all times. Doing so will allow a permanent resident to prove his or her eligibility for employment in the U.S., as well as allow a permanent resident to apply for a Social Security Card and even a state-issued driver’s license.

Do you know what’s expected of you as a permanent resident of New York?

The privileges that can be experienced as a green card holder in the U.S. also come with certain rights and responsibilities. Just as you expect to benefit from the advantages of holding permanent residency through a green card, so too will you be expected to uphold the rights and responsibilities expected of you as a permanent resident of the U.S.

Responsibilities of Permanent Residents in the U.S.

The responsibilities required of U.S. permanent residents are as follows:

• Permanent residents are expected to lawfully obey all local, state, and federal ordinances.
• Permanent residents are expected to file income tax returns and report income to the U.S.
• Internal Revenue Service, as well as to the state taxing authorities.
• Permanent residents are expected to follow and support the U.S. democratic form of government.
• Permanent residents of the male gender aged 18-25 are expected to register with the Selective Service.

Your Rights as a Green Card Holder

In addition to the responsibilities required of U.S. green card holders, certain rights will be provided to these individuals as well. First and foremost, these individuals will be able to live in the country free from the worry of deportation; assuming, of course, that no illegal acts are committed which could otherwise make the permanent resident removable according to immigration law. Permanent residents are protected by all laws of the U.S., as well as those laws specific to the state and local community in which they live.

Green card holders will also benefit from the ability to work in the U.S. This right is broad in scope and does not limit permanent residents to particular jobs or job settings. Rather, it allows for permanent residents to seek employment at any legal working place of their choosing, permitting that they qualify for the position. There are some positions, however, that will be limited only to U.S. citizens for security purposes.

Pozo Goldstein, LLP: Your New York Immigration Attorneys

Upon issuance, a green card will be valid for 10 years. In some cases, such as those related to conditional residents who obtain green cards, the residence provided will last for a total of 2 years. In both cases, individuals who are nearing the date of expiration for their green cards must take actions to have the cards renewed before their permanent residency actually expires. Failure to renew a green card before its expiration date could result in serious consequences, so it is important to work with an experienced immigration lawyer when taking actions of this nature.

At Pozo Goldstein, LLP, we firmly believe in protecting the rights of individuals, especially those who are non-citizens of the U.S. In fact, we have based our entire professional careers on this practice. Together, our legal team of former U.S. immigration prosecutors and a former U.S. judge work actively to secure stability and legal rights for immigrants seeking visitation, residency, and deportation defense in the country. Under all circumstances, we are here to help you succeed in your efforts to remain in the U.S., so do not hesitate to contact a New York immigration lawyer from our office today.