Current Affairs

The expression "green card" actually refers to the issuing of a permanent residence card, officially from the INS form I-151 application. The reason is took on the name "green card" is mainly because the light green background which the card possessed, specifically from 1946 through 1964, and again starting in 2010.

The holder of a permanent residence card, or green card, obtains certain rights in the United States. Among them, are the right to stay in the country indefinitely, the ability to work at any job for which they are qualified to do, and the right to obtain citizenship after a certain number of years, depending on their situation.

There are various classifications for eligibility when applying for a residency. They are sectioned into three categories. The first is the family qualification. An applicant can apply for a a residence card if they have immediate members of the family who are either citizens or have permanent residency.

There is a group of eligibility classifications that has to do with employment. If a worker can find certain work, or if an employer chooses to sponsor a worker, there are ways for applying for a permanent residency.

The final group is for refugees or asylum seekers. Each of these three categories also has quotas set on how many residents can enter in a particular year. The selection of applicants typically exceeds these quotas, and the waiting time for an applicant can be between a few weeks a number of years, depending on the sort of eligibility that the particular person is trying to use for entrance.

Other rights include the right to petition for a relative to enter the country. A resident has to pay taxes and is entitled to public assistance. One can also start paying in on the Social Security program and expect to receive advantages from that program once eligible.

Penalties also exist where one can lose their issued card. The holder must obey laws and not be convicted of any crime. If a card holder has entered the country because of relationship to a spouse, that relationship must continue for a specified period of time. Likewise, if a card hold entered under employment eligibility, the term of employment must continue for a specified period of time.

If a permanent resident takes a job in another country, their residence ends in this country. If one leaves the country and does not return for one year, they must start the process again. Finally, not paying one's taxes violates the conditions of their residency.

Many individuals want to enter the United States in a legal manner. In so doing, they're afforded certain rights and a path to citizenship. Most consider this an honorable opportunity.