Is Getting a Green Card Really Worth the Effort?

After an immigrant obtains a visa for work, study, or a visit to the U.S., he or she often considers adjusting his or her status to a more permanent residency. Some choose to start the process as soon as they get to the U.S. due to the sponsorship of a family member who is already a U.S. citizen or for work reasons.

Whatever the reason an immigrant chooses to take more permanent steps can be varied, but he or she likely knows that it will not be an easy task. There may be certain situations that make you eligible for a green card, or you may just be banking on luck. The system is complex, but having a green card comes with many benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Green Card?

Once you obtain a green card, you are eligible for many of the benefits that are given to a U.S. citizen. There are certain expectations and responsibilities that the government expects you to uphold, such as avoiding criminal behavior, registering with the Selective Service if you are 18 to 25 years of age and a male, and paying income tax.

Even with these responsibilities, there are many more benefits to gain. These include the following:

• The right to live anywhere in Colorado or another state: Once you have a green card you may live in any part of the U.S. you wish, and you can even travel outside of the country as long as you do not plan to stay gone for more than six months.
• Seek employment that suits your qualifications: A green card will allow you to work anywhere you wish in the U.S. including many types of government work.
• Benefit from governmental programs: After obtaining a green card, you will be eligible to receive benefits such as Medicare and Social Security if you qualify.
• Obtain a driver’s license from the state where you reside: Your green card will enable you to get a Colorado driver’s license or a license in whatever state you choose to reside.
• Purchase a home or receive a public education: Once you have your green card, you will be eligible to get loans to purchase a home and will be able to attend public schools with assistance if you qualify.
• Sponsor a family: Having a green card may allow you to be a sponsor for a relative so that he or she may apply to get a green card too.
• Seek U.S. citizenship: After you have had your green card for five years, you may qualify to apply to become a U.S. citizen. This will also give you the right to run for a public office and vote.

The rights listed above are based on an immigrant who is not under any legal restrictions such as being on parole. Some additional benefits may also be gained by having a more permanent residency status. You should be careful not to violate any laws or restrictions of your residency because failure to abide by them could result in the loss of your status.

Seek the Guidance of a Colorado Immigration Attorney

Because immigration issues can be challenging to understand, it is imperative that you contact a Denver immigration attorney if you feel like your rights have been violated or you need guidance in understanding what your rights as an immigrant are. The Denver green card attorneys at Joseph & Hall P.C. have decades of experience handling an array of immigration issues. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and make sure that you understand your rights and that they are being protected.