What is a Green Card?
Unlocking the Mystery of the Green Card
Have you ever pondered what a “Green Card” truly signifies? It serves as your key to achieving legal permanent residency in the United States. Though the name might evoke images of a Monopoly game piece, “Green Card” is simply an informal term for what is officially called a “permanent resident card.”
Green Card – Your Gateway to American Dreams
Picture the ability to reside, work, or even launch your own company in the U.S. That is the opportunity a Green Card provides! Those who hold one can travel into and out of the country effortlessly, using their foreign passports paired with a valid Green Card. Additionally, they can assist immediate family members in joining them in this American journey by filing petitions for their green cards as well.
However, there is a distinction to note – while a Green Card unlocks numerous possibilities, it does not equate to full U.S. citizenship. That said, if the idea appeals to you, after a certain period, eligible Green Card holders may pursue naturalization to become full citizens.
The Fine Print: Maintaining Your Green Card Status
Pursuing the American Dream involves adhering to some guidelines. Green Card holders cannot simply depart for prolonged stretches. A careful balance must be struck; spending excessive time overseas could jeopardize your status. The regulations are straightforward: they emphasize your intention to establish the U.S. as your permanent home and monitor the duration of your absences. Thus, if you contemplate establishing a long-term residence elsewhere, exercise caution – your status might be in jeopardy.
At its core, a Green Card transcends its physical form; it embodies fresh starts, privileges, and obligations in a land brimming with possibilities.
Here are some compelling statistics about Green Card holders in the United States, drawn from recent data:
– Record Numbers: According to the most current figures, approximately 12.7 million legal permanent residents (Green Card holders) reside in the United States. This figure underscores a substantial segment of the U.S. population, reflecting America’s identity as a cultural mosaic.
– Pathway to Citizenship: Of those 12.7 million, around 9.0 million qualify to pursue U.S. citizenship, reinforcing the nation’s enduring practice of welcoming immigrants into its citizenry.
Law Office of Joel Friedman
- At our San Diego-based immigration law office, we take pride in having guided thousands of immigrants toward realizing the American Dream. With years of dedicated service, our experienced team has successfully navigated the complexities of immigration law to secure green cards, visas, and citizenship for individuals and families from all corners of the globe. We understand that each journey is unique, and we approach every case with personalized care, ensuring our clients feel supported every step of the way. Whether it is reuniting loved ones, opening doors to new career opportunities, or establishing a permanent home in the United States, our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted partner in transforming aspirations into realities for countless people seeking a brighter future.
Getting a U.S. Green Card
The first step to acquiring a green card is to check and make sure that an individual is eligible. An individual may be eligible through a number of different pathways. There are certain positions for green cards available for individuals who have family members who are legal permanent residents. Several categories of potential jobs can offer an individual a green card. In addition, individuals can be brought into the United States under a special accommodation visa or through the refugee process. An individual also must show that they will not become a public charge.
Then, the individual must go through the adjustment of status process. They must file an immigration petition and file form I-485. After the process of filing that form, a green card applicant must set up an appointment with an Application Support Center and a potential follow-up interview and request for further documents. Then, the application process is complete, and an individual must wait for a decision on his or her status.
Green Card Interview Questions
In the process of applying for a green card, an individual will almost always have to go through an interview. The interview is set up to assess an individual’s eligibility to receive a green card. The primary purpose of the interview is to ensure that an individual is being truthful about the basis for their eligibility and in their responses to the many questions were asked of them on their green card application forms. Therefore, the questions that will be asked pertain to the basis for the application and to the individual’s history and background.
An experienced immigration law attorney should help prepare you for the interview portion of the immigration process. Your interview will take place either in the United States, for example in San Diego, or at the appropriate U.S. Consulate abroad, depending on where you filed and live and your eligibility category.
Green Card Medical Exam
All foreign nationals who apply for a green card must complete and pass a required medical examination before their green card cases can be approved. A government-approved physician must perform your medical exam.
If foreign nationals are applying for their greens cards from outside of the United States then there often are just one or two designated doctors that are authorized to perform the medical exam to be provided to the U.S. Consulate. If foreign nationals are applying for Adjustment of Status in the U.S. then there are more approved doctors for you to choose from.
The doctor will use Form I-693 to complete your medical examination. You should be provided with a copy of your completed medical examination form. However, the doctor will give you the original I-693 form in a sealed envelope that must remain sealed and submitted to the government that way.
Green Card Renewal Fee
The green card renewal fee currently is a total of $540 as of 2018. This fee is broken into two parts. The first is a $455 application fee in order to process the green card application. There is also an $85 biometrics fee that is charged to most applicants. The biometrics fee is for photographing and fingerprinting the green card holder.
This process is used to renew an expiring or expired green card for 10 years. The I-90 form is used to renew your green card. The I-90 green card renewal application can be mailed or submitted electronically, with proper supporting evidence.
What to do if lost Green Card
Individuals who have lost their green card or have had it stolen should attempt to remedy the problem as quickly as possible. They should file USCIS form I-90 along with the application fee, a government-issued photo ID, and a copy of their lost or stolen green card if possible. An individual then may need to wait 8-10 months or so in order to receive a replacement.