When you have filed for permanent residency in the United States and you receive your Green Card, it is a very exciting time. Becoming a Green Card holder can be a weight off of your shoulders. Now, you are entitled to certain rights and responsibilities as a permanent resident.
As a permanent resident, some of your rights include the ability to live within the United States permanently. You are permitted to live here as long as you want unless you commit a crime or another offense that may cause you to receive an order of removal from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. In addition, you have the right to work legally in the United States. You can apply for whichever job you would like, for the jobs that you are qualified for. It is important to know that you are not allowed to be discriminated against when applying for a job or in any workplace because of your immigration status. In addition to your protection under the Fair Labor Standards Act, you are also protected by all of the other Federal laws in the United States as well as the laws that exist in the state in which you reside.
In addition to having rights as a permanent resident, you also have responsibilities to abide by. As previously mentioned, you are protected under all of the laws in the United States. That being said, you are also required to obey these laws. If you fail to do so, you may receive a removal order and lose your permanent resident status. Permanent residents are also required to file income taxes with the Internal Revenue Service. Finally, males between the age of 18 and 25 have the responsibility of registering with the Selective Service just in case our country would have a draft.
If you have any questions regarding your rights or your responsibilities as a permanent resident, you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney.
John Sesini is an experienced immigration attorney with offices in Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If you have any questions regarding these matters, please contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C. and obtain your initial consultation.