The Green Card
The Green Card
Every applicant for immigration to the United States will, upon meeting all criteria and swearing allegiance to the country is granted a Green Card or Lawful Permanent Resident status to the country. It is important for applicants to know the laws that govern immigration to the country and the process that is best suited to the applicant before proceeding with an application. This card is officially known as the form I-551 and allows an applicant to live and work lawfully in the country. The green card represents security to its holder and conveys to the authorities and employers the legal status of the applicant.
Green cards were earlier issued without any expiration date before 1989. Since 1989 all Green Cards carry an expiration date with a validity of 10 years and it is imperative that the card is renewed at the appropriate time. Green Cards issued before 1989 will continue to remain valid unless the USCIS notifies any changes about the same.
Any applicant who wishes to have permanent and lawful residence within the United States has to go through a procedure that may qualify or disqualify the applicant from gaining the same. Some of the forms that are required to be submitted are;
- Application to register permanent status or form I-485
- G-325A Biographic Sheet for ages between 14 to 79
- I-693 medical examination sheet
- 2 color photos
- Form I-864 affidavit of support
- Form I-765 Authorization for employment
If you have been approved for immigration the applicant will also need to provide a copy of the approval provided by the USCIS.
The 14th amendment of the US Constitution provides lawful residency to all children born in the United States or its jurisdictions. However, this amendment does not provide relief to children of diplomats born in the United States. Children born to parents of US who are US Citizens are also provided US Citizenship. Apart from the above the US also grants lawful residency to children who are adopted by US citizens.
While there are other forms of residencies also available it would be worth the effort to visit that USCIS web site for the latest information and/or amendments that may have been incorporated. Though there may be various sites and people who may offer to help and guide individuals for a fee it may be worth to take a close look at the credentials of such sources.
