June 1, 2023

Top 10 Surprising Benefits of Having a Green Card

If you're contemplating a move to the United States, acquiring a Green Card is crucial to achieving your goals.

A Green Card allows you to lay down permanent roots in the US, where you can live and work to your heart's desire. However, the benefits of being a Green Card holder extend far beyond just earning a living in the US.

In this blog post, we'll highlight the top 10 benefits of possessing a Green Card that may pleasantly surprise you. These include access to federal benefits, job opportunities, and even the chance to engage in politics.

Related: What Happens To My Green Card If My Spouse Dies?

Top 10 Benefits of Having a Green Card

Being a Green Card holder affords individuals an array of substantial benefits. These include the liberty to traverse freely, an enhanced landscape of employment possibilities, and eligibility for federal benefits.

1. Freedom to Travel 

A standout advantage of possessing a Green Card lies in the liberty to journey to and from the United States without the need to acquire a new visa on each occasion.

Green Card holders can come into and depart from the US as frequently as they wish, simplifying the process of visiting overseas relatives or making brief sojourns for professional or recreational purposes.

This benefit does away with the administrative strain and unpredictability that is part and parcel of the visa application procedure. This process is often both lengthy and expensive.

2. Job Opportunities

Green Card owners have more extensive career prospects than those with work visas. Being a permanent resident permits you to apply for jobs requiring security clearance and government work that are off-limits to non-permanent residents. These jobs include careers in national security, law enforcement, and other federal agencies.

Moreover, Green Card holders are not constrained to specific industries or employers, allowing them to explore a broader spectrum of employment opportunities. As a result, possessing a 

Green Cards can present access to jobs with better compensation, superior benefits, and improved job stability.

3. Access to Federal Benefits

Green Card possessors are eligible to receive many of the same federal entitlements as US citizens. This includes access to federal benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and food assistance programs.

Green Card holders can also apply for federal student loans and grants, facilitating their ability to finance higher education. Green Card holders may also be eligible for in-state or resident tuition rates at designated colleges and universities in specific situations.

These federal benefits can have a meaningful impact on the lives of Green Card holders by supplying financial stability and access to vital resources.

4. Eligibility for US Citizenship

Possessing a Green Card provides a critical avenue toward obtaining US citizenship, among its most substantial benefits.

Once you have held a Green Card for at least five years, you can apply for naturalization and gain citizenship. This perk endows you with all the rights and benefits accorded to a US citizen, including the right to vote in federal elections.

For many Green Card holders, the ultimate aspiration is to attain US citizenship, with a Green Card representing the first stride on that journey.

5. Ability to Sponsor Family Members 

Another benefit of possessing a Green Card is the capacity to sponsor specific family members for Green Cards.

As a Green Card owner, you can sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and siblings for Green Cards, enabling them to live and work in the US as permanent residents. 

Although family members of US citizens are accorded priority for Green Cards, family members of Green Card holders are also eligible for this benefit.

Sponsoring family members for Green Cards can be a crucial advantage for those seeking to reunite with loved ones in the United States.

6. Political Engagement 

Green Card possessors can participate in the political process of the United States. While they are not entitled to vote in federal elections, they can cast their vote in some state and local elections, enabling them to influence policies that impact their community.

Green Card holders can also donate funds or volunteer for political candidates in US elections.

This degree of political involvement can invigorate Green Card holders, granting them a platform to voice their opinions on important matters.

A Woman Holding an American Flag Against a Blue Sky

7. Flexibility to Live and Work Anywhere in the US 

Possessing a Green Card confers the significant benefit of living and working anywhere in the United States with flexibility.

Green Card possessors are not confined to a specific city or state and can relocate freely within the country. This freedom allows them to pursue career opportunities in any region or state without having to contend with visa restrictions or work permits.

Furthermore, Green Card holders can enjoy lower tuition rates for in-state colleges and universities, providing greater access to educational opportunities.

Related: How To Maintain a Green Card

8. Ability to Start a Business in the US 

Another advantage of possessing a Green Card is establishing a business in the United States.

As a Green Card owner, you can launch your enterprise, offering a promising route to financial stability and contribution to the American economy. 

In addition, starting a business in the US can provide several expansion opportunities, leading to enhanced success and prosperity.

9. Renewal of Green Card

Green Card possessors must renew their Green Card every ten years to sustain their permanent resident status. The renewal process is simple and usually involves submitting an application, updating the individual's status, and any alterations to their personal information.

Green Card holders should ensure they renew their Green Card promptly to prevent any complications with their permanent resident status.

10. Legal Protection 

Green Card possessors are safeguarded by the legal provisions of the United States, their state of residence, and their local jurisdiction. The same legal safeguards that apply to US citizens also apply to those holding permanent residency.

This factor means that Green Card holders have the right to legal action and can seek redress in the case of legal conflicts or issues.

Assistance from Brudner Law 

Applying for a Green Card can be a complex and bewildering process. In such circumstances, the assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer, such as Brudner Law, can be an invaluable resource.

Their team of skilled attorneys can aid in navigating the process, ensuring that your application is complete and devoid of errors that may cause delays or rejection.

With years of experience in immigration law, Brudner Law is dedicated to providing top-notch legal services to individuals and businesses striving to navigate the intricate US immigration system.

A Runner and a Bicyclist Running on a Beach With American Flags

Green Card Holders Can Enjoy Many Benefits

Securing a Green Card is highly coveted for those aspiring to live and work in the United States. Green Card possessors are entitled to numerous advantages, including the freedom to travel, broader job prospects, federal benefits eligibility, sponsoring family members, and establishing a business.

Green Card holders are also safeguarded by the legal statutes of the United States, their state of residence, and their local jurisdiction. If you are contemplating immigrating to the United States, obtaining a Green Card is a remarkable way to embark on your new life.

Related: Do You Need an Attorney at Your Green Card Interview?

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