What Happens After You Get a Green Card? Your Rights and Responsibilities as a U.S. Permanent Resident

 Congratulations! You’ve received your green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card. But while becoming a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States is a major achievement, it also comes with new rights—and serious responsibilities.

This article outlines what you can and can’t do as a green card holder, how to maintain your permanent resident status, and the next steps if you plan to become a U.S. citizen in the future.

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1. What Is a Green Card?

A green card grants you the legal right to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. It is typically valid for 10 years (or 2 years for conditional residents, such as spouses of U.S. citizens).

Having a green card doesn’t make you a U.S. citizen, but it does give you many of the same benefits—including protection under U.S. laws, freedom to travel, and access to work opportunities.

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2. Your Rights as a Green Card Holder

As a lawful permanent resident, you are entitled to:

• Live and work anywhere in the U.S.

• Own property and open bank accounts

• Apply for a driver’s license

• Sponsor certain relatives for green cards (such as spouse and children)

• Apply for U.S. citizenship after a certain number of years

• Travel abroad and return (with some limitations)

You also have the right to due process in legal proceedings and protection under all U.S. laws, including employment, housing, and education.

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3. Responsibilities You Must Follow

Green card holders must also:

• Obey all federal, state, and local laws

• File U.S. income tax returns every year

• Support the U.S. democratic system (e.g., by avoiding activities against the government)

• Register for Selective Service (males ages 18–25)

• Carry your green card at all times as proof of your status

• Notify USCIS of any change of address within 10 days

Failure to meet these responsibilities can lead to removal proceedings or denial of citizenship later.

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4. Can You Lose Your Green Card?

Yes, your permanent residency can be revoked if you:

• Commit certain crimes (such as fraud, drug trafficking, or domestic violence)

• Fail to file taxes or falsely claim to be a U.S. citizen

• Live outside the U.S. for long periods without a reentry permit

• Abandon your residency by moving abroad permanently

Staying outside the U.S. for more than 6 months may raise questions. Staying more than 1 year without a reentry permit could cause automatic loss of residency.

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5. Next Step: Naturalization

Most green card holders become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after:

• 5 years of permanent residency (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)

• Continuous presence in the U.S.

• Good moral character

• Basic knowledge of English and U.S. civics

Naturalization is optional—but becoming a U.S. citizen gives you full rights, including voting and protection from deportation.

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Final Thoughts

Getting your green card is just the beginning of your journey in the United States. As a permanent resident, you’ll enjoy many freedoms, but you must also understand and respect your legal obligations. Stay informed, stay compliant, and you’ll be on the path to full integration—and possibly citizenship—in your new home.