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The American Green Card and its Privilege

The US green card is one of the most sought after piece of document by the countless of US immigrants today. It is an identification card that serves as a proof of an alien’s permanent status as a resident in the United States of America. Having one would guarantee its holder much better and wider opportunities and benefits in the country. 

The green card is officially known as the United States Permanent Resident Card or the form 1-551. At the end of the World War II, the green card’s predecessor, the form 1-151 called the Alien Receipt Card, was introduced by the United States government. It was said to be printed on green paper, thus the term green card was derived. Various kinds of paper colors were used upon the adoption of the form 1-551 in the year 1977, but the term green card was still put to use even up to this day. 

With the possession of the US Permanent Resident Card or the green card, a person is entitled to several basic privileges. He is allowed to take in residence and employment in the country. The given status can be maintained provided that the card holder agrees and submits to the terms and conditions imposed to him by the  United States agency that handles these things which is the US Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS. Violations to the said terms and conditions would cause the cancellation of the status and possibly the deportation of the individual off the country. 

Aliens who are still processing their green card application are permitted to stay in the country provided that they have with them two permits as required by the USCIS. One is the Employment Authorization Document or the EAD. This will allow him to be employed temporarily in the United States. The second is the advance parole. This temporary travel document will permit the alien to re-enter the country. Both the Employment Authorization Document and the Advance parole grant benefits to the alien in coordination to the status given to him by the USCIS. 

Green card holders who have plans or who wishes to permanently stay in the US can apply for the United States citizenship, 5 years after acquiring the permanent resident status or green card. The process of Citizenship could be hastened under certain circumstances such as being married to a US citizen. 

Applicants must go through the process of naturalization in order to attain a United States Citizenship. Obviously, citizens are ensured to more privileges than those who only have a permanent resident status. Rights and privileges given include the right to vote, to be elected to a federal government position, the capacity to bring family members to the country and the right to be hired in any certain government agency and post.