What Are the Benefits of Being a Permanent Resident?

Permanent residents can stay and work in the U.S., but they may be subject to deportation or removal under certain circumstances, such as committing certain crimes or violating immigration laws. After a period of time, LPRs can go through the naturalization process to become U.S citizens. Under federal law, immigrants who are in the United States as lawful permanent residents (LPRs) can also sponsor their family members to come to the U.S.

Permanent residents are also protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Green card holders have the right to be free from discrimination based on their ethnicity, race, or national origin. To understand how you can benefit from becoming a permanent resident, talk to an immigration attorney.

Permanent Resident Benefits

Permanent residents are a type of immigrant status where people from other countries can come to the U.S. with the intention of staying and creating a new life. With lawful permanent resident status, green card benefits include the right to:

• Legal protections under the laws of the United States, your state of residence, and local jurisdiction
• Live permanently anywhere in the United States, as long as you do not take any action that could make you deportable under immigration law
• Work authorization for most jobs in the country (some jobs are limited to U.S. citizens for security reasons)
• Apply to become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process once you qualify
• Apply for a permanent resident card for your spouse and any unmarried children under 21 years of age
• Get certain federal benefits like Social Security benefits and Medicare, if you qualify, but some benefits like Supplemental Security Income may have additional eligibility requirements or waiting periods
• SNAP benefits (food stamps), unemployment benefits, temporary assistance, CHIP assistance, and other benefit programs may be available after a five-year waiting period, though eligibility can vary by state and program
• Own property
• Get a state driver’s license
• Depart and return to the U.S. under certain conditions
• Attend public schools and universities
• Join certain branches of the United States Armed Forces
• Buying or owning a firearm, as long as there are no state or local laws that say you can’t
• Some municipalities allow non-citizens to vote in local elections (but not federal elections)

A permanent resident must be careful with some of these rights. Immigration authorities can take these rights away for:

• A firearm-related conviction
• Unlawfully voting in a U.S. government election
• Leaving the United States under certain circumstances
• Other restricted actions

You could face ineligibility for citizenship. In some cases, violations can result in revocation of your permanent resident status and deportation.

Permanent Resident Responsibilities

Lawful residents are also required to follow most of the rules and regulations that apply to citizens. This includes:

• Filing federal income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Obeying all federal, state, and local laws
• Registering with the Selective Service, if required
• Maintaining your immigration status
• Carrying proof of lawful status
• Updating your new address with DHS if you move

Permanent Residents: Conditions to Depart and Return to the U.S.

As an LPR, you may not be able to leave the U.S. for an extended period or move to another country to live there permanently. Those who wish to remain abroad for six months or more must submit the appropriate documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stating that they do not intend to abandon their permanent resident status. You should also avoid traveling outside of the United States for a period of time if your residency is about to expire.

Qualifying for Lawful Permanent Residency

LPR adults have the right to live and work in the U.S. and can travel in and out of the country, under certain limitations. There are several ways to qualify for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. Categories of immigration eligibility for an LPR include:

• Sponsorship by a U.S. relative
• Investor eligibility
• Sponsorship by an employer
• Refugee status, grant of asylum, or another humanitarian status
• Visa lottery
• Special ability or achievements

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the population of LPRs in 2024 was about 12.8 million. Of the LPRs potentially eligible to become naturalized citizens, the largest percentage of people come from Mexico, China, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, the Philippines, and India.

Permanent Residency for Spouses, Children, and Relatives

Most LPRs are admitted for the purpose of family reunification. Immediate relatives are categorized based on their connection to the sponsoring relative. The highest category is for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, which include spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents. These are not subject to quotas. The next categories in order of priority include:

• Unmarried children of U.S. citizen parents and their children (F1)
• Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of LPRs (F2A)
• Unmarried children of LPRs 21 years of age or older (F2B)
• Married children of citizens, their spouses, and their children (F3)
• Brothers and sisters of citizens, their spouses, and their children (F4)

However, sponsorship for a green card application and approval for immigration depend on several factors. Factors include the individual’s country of origin and preference category.

There are quotas for LPRs sponsoring family based on the home country and family preference. Some preference categories can take years for eligibility for relatives from some countries. The countries most affected by nationality quota waiting periods and processing times are:

• India
• China
• Mexico
• The Philippines

U.S. immigration laws can change at any time. If you have questions about LPR applications and the timeline for permanent residency, talk to an immigration lawyer for legal advice.