Published: December 4, 2021
From an outsider’s point of view, Green Cards seem like an elusive ticket towards the American Dream. Indeed, it provides foreign nationals rights and privileges available to natural-born Americans. However, are you aware of the specifics of said rights and privileges? If you are planning to file for a Green Card, read the following before sending your application:
Standard benefits
By acquiring a Green Card, you can become a legal permanent citizen. With this status, you can live permanently within the United States. In addition, you may now apply for any legal employment in the country.
Eligibility for social security benefits
Green Card holders gain access to the United States’ social security system. Upon qualification, Green Card holders may be eligible for healthcare benefits, disability benefits, retirement payments, and survivors’ benefits.
Note: You may simultaneously file your social security application with your Green Card application. The Social Security Administration will issue a card and send it to your designated address when approved.
Free and discounted academic access
Student Green Card holders may access public preschool, elementary, and high school for free and without the need for a student visa. Individuals who intend to go to university may also enjoy discounted tuition fees. Many state-sponsored colleges, universities, and vocational schools in the United States offer these privileges. Sometimes, these institutions provide special discount rates. Green Card holders can take advantage.
Better employment chances
There are few job opportunities for immigrants, primarily legal and decently paying ones. Those with working visas mainly rely on their sponsor employer. If their employment ends prematurely, they may struggle to find another one due to seemingly endless paperwork. In comparison, Green Card holders can work with almost every office they are compatible with. They may even become an entrepreneur if they want to. In addition to the improved employment benefits, Green Card holders may claim unemployment compensation.
Travel with ease
Compared to having a working or tourist visa, traveling through America with a Green Card is more convenient. You can now travel or live anywhere within the country. While passing through state borders, you may no longer need to check in with the local government agencies. However, becoming a Green Card holder means staying within the country for most of your life. You may not stay out of the country for more than one year.
Sponsor non-American family members
As a Green Card holder, you can now petition for a loved one’s migration to the United States. Through your green card, you can sponsor your spouse, parents, siblings, and unmarried children below twenty-one (21) years old. As the sponsor, you will file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with the USCIS and prove your filial relationship with the beneficiaries.
Arduous Processes
Filing for a Green Card without any expert guidance can be tricky. Aside from intricate procedures, immigration scams exist everywhere. Making mistakes may cause you more than what is needed. To avoid all these troubles, get in touch with ALG Lawyers. Our resourceful Los Angeles immigration lawyers are ready to help you.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)