If you have been issued a green card in the United States, the privilege came with rights and responsibilities. As a green card holder, you have the right to live the rest of your life in the country as long as you don’t commit any offenses that would make you removable. A green card can be invaluable when you are confronted by the police, because it shows that you are in the country legally. If you continue to follow the law and don’t commit any felonies or serious misdemeanors, your residency is guaranteed. You can work in the United States and be legally employed at whatever career you desire as long as you have a green card. The only jobs that may be restricted are U.S. government positions that will only hire U.S. citizens for security purposes. You cannot run for elected office if you are a green card holder, so you will not be able to pursue a career in public service.

If you have a green card, you have the right to travel where you would like within the United States. You cannot be confined to one state, and you cannot be confined to staying in the U.S. You have the right to leave and come back as you please though there may be some restrictions regarding how long you can stay in other countries. As well, as a green card holder you have the right to claim protection under all the laws of the United States. You can ask for police protection when threatened and take issues to court just as a citizen would.

In addition, you can request that your husband or wife and unmarried children be permitted to live in the United States with you. This is only available to green card holders, and the court can determine whether or not they want to grant this request. If the court seems skeptical, you may want to get an immigration lawyer involved in the request. You can also attend a school or college in the United States on a green card, or join the armed forces. You have the right to own property and firearms as long as you are not prohibited to do so along with all other citizens by state law. You can obtain a driver’s license if you have a green card, and can get Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicare benefits if you are eligible to do so.

With all of these privileges come a lot of responsibilities. You are required to obey all laws of the United States as a green card holder. Rebelling against those laws could be a serious issue, and may be enough to get you deported. As well, you will have to file a tax income return each year and report your income to the IRS just like citizens are required to do. You will then have to pay taxes. You also have the duty to support the United States as a democratic government and avoid any means to try and chance the government through illegal means. If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25, you must register with the Selective Service for the possibility of military service.

You will also have to change your address online with the Department of Homeland Security any time that you move. You will want to carry your green card with you at all times. This is your proof of residence in the United States and can help you if you live in a state where the police are allowed to demand proof-of-citizenship at any time. Talk to an immigration lawyer today if you believe that you have been denied your rights or need help defending yourself from deportation in an immigration court.