The Basics of a Green Card

Obtaining a green card can be a lengthy and difficult process, greatly dependent on the surrounding circumstances. Having the professional guidance of a New York City immigration attorney from Feiner & Lavy P.C., Attorneys at Law gives you the knowledge and service of an experienced professional. A permanent residency card, commonly known as a green card is a visa granted by the government that allows a foreign national the ability to live and work in the U.S. It can be used as an identification card, demonstrating an individual's right to permanent residency. Those that are generally eligible to apply for a green card include relatives of a citizen of the U.S., workers, longtime residents, those with an asylee or refugee status, those who are picked through a lottery that is meant to promote diversity and those that have special cases. Many individuals may obtain a green card while they wait through the generally longer process of pursuing citizenship in the country. This allows them to live and work here while they are striving to obtain the rights that come along with being a legal citizen. For others a green card is enough allowing them some basic privileges that are still a substantial advantage to their status.

While obtaining a green card can be an incredible benefit, there are certain things that may also result in the loss of one. Committing a crime can be a large factor in this. Part of the stipulation to keeping a green card is demonstrating a certain level of moral adherence to the laws of the country. If this is broken through a criminal conviction, not only may the immigrant lose their status, they also can face deportation. Helping others to illegally enter the U.S. is another way to lose a green card, along with lying on your USCIS form or failing to fill it out properly. Since a green card demonstrates permanent residency, leaving the country for too long can be a reason that it may be revoked. There are a number of ways in which a green card can be lost, making it important to properly follow all instructions and regulations as well as keeping educated on what they are. In order to keep a green card, the holder of the card must stay on top of renewals. Failure to do so can result in a loss of residency standing. When an individual no longer has the protection of their green card, they may be in danger of deportation, something a qualified attorney can help with. If you are looking to obtain a green card, don't delay in contacting a New York City immigration lawyer from their offices.