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What rights and benefits do green card holders have?

On Behalf of | Oct 20, 2022 | Immigration Law

You already know about some of the advantages you obtain when you have a green card. For most immigrants, a top benefit is the ability to live in America permanently.

If your main reason for wanting a green card is to live in the U.S., you might not know about the other advantages your card provides. It serves your best interests to discover more ways a green card adds meaning to your life.

Traveling abroad

With a valid card, you can visit other nations, including your country of origin, and return to America with no hassles. The only limit on your travels is that you must re-enter the U.S. within six months of leaving.

Retirement benefits

Like American-born citizens, green card holders can obtain Social Security benefits upon retirement. You must have worked a minimum of 40 quarters inside the nation to be eligible for Social Security.

Apply for citizenship

After holding your green card for three to five years, you may seek U.S. citizenship. However, it is not mandatory. If you prefer, you can continue residing here without applying to become a citizen.

Employment of your choice

Those with a green card can work almost anywhere and in any industry that catches their interest. In other words, you do not have to seek sponsorship from an employer when you hold a valid card.

Other advantages

The benefits are so many that they cannot be addressed in a small blog post. Five more green card advantages include the ability to:

  1. Start your own business
  2. Purchase and own firearms (within the requirements of the law)
  3. Live in the state of your choice
  4. Purchase life and health insurance policies
  5. Bring some of your family members to the United States

If you are considering immigrating to Florida or another state, reach out for legal guidance to help ensure your green card application is successful.