Becoming a permanent resident (or "green card holder") allows you to live and work in the United States. It is also the first step to become a United States citizen. But along with the privilege of becoming a U.S. permanent resident comes with certain rights and responsibilities. How you conduct yourself as a permanent resident can affect your ability to become a U.S. citizen. Therefore it is important that you maintain your permanent resident status and fulfill your responsibilities to remain in good standing.
Your rights as a permanent resident:
- Live permanently in the U.S. provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable under immigration law
- Work in the U.S. at any legal work of your qualification and choosing. (Please note that some jobs will be limited to U.S. citizens for security reasons)
- Be protected by all laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions
- Request visas for your husband or wife and unmarried children to live in the U.S.
- Get Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare benefits, if you are eligible
- Own property in the U.S.
- Leave and return to the U.S. under certain conditions
- Attend public school and college
- Join certain branches of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Purchase or own a firearm, as long as there are no state or local restrictions saying you can’t
Your responsibilities as a permanent resident:
- Obey all laws of the United States the states, and localities
- File your income tax returns and report your income to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities
- Support the democratic form of government and do not change the government through illegal means
- If you are a male age 18 through 25, register with the Selective Service
- Maintain your immigration status
- Carry proof of your permanent resident status at all times
- Change your address online or provide it in writing to the Department of Homeland Security within 10 days of each time you move
Source: USCIS