
Green card holders in the US have many of the same rights as US citizens. They can legally work in any job they're qualified for, with some exceptions, and are protected by the same laws and ordinances as US citizens. They can also travel and reside anywhere in the US, and have freedom of movement within the country. However, there are some rights that do not apply to green card holders, such as the right to vote in federal, state, or local elections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Employability | Green card holders can legally work in any type of job they’re qualified for, with the exception of some positions related to U.S. security |
| Protection by U.S. laws | Green card holders are protected by the same laws and ordinances that U.S. citizens are |
| Travel and residence | Green card holders have complete freedom to move throughout the U.S. and live anywhere within its borders |
| Federal benefits | Green card holders can apply for federal benefits, including Social Security and education assistance |
| Expatriation and exit taxes | If a green card holder remains in the U.S. for eight or more years, then leaves the U.S. permanently, they would be expected to pay expatriation and exit taxes similar to those paid by a U.S. citizen who renounced their citizenship |
| Protection from deportation | While having a green card does not 100% guarantee the holder protection from deportation, it does guarantee freedom from deportation if the deportation would have been due to a change in immigration laws |
| Eligibility to vote | Green card holders are not eligible to vote in federal, state, or local elections |
| Eligibility to participate in elections | Green card holders are eligible to participate in U.S. elections by donating to candidates or volunteering for campaigns |
| Regular renewal | Green cards must be renewed every 10 years to remain valid |
Explore related products

Employability
Green card holders are protected by the same laws and ordinances that US citizens are. They can legally work in any type of job they're qualified for, with the exception of some positions related to US security. They are also free to travel and reside anywhere in the US.
Green card holders are required to file income tax returns and report their income to the US Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. They are also expected to support the democratic form of government, although this does not include voting. Male green card holders aged 18-25 are also required to register with the Selective Service.
Green card holders are eligible to participate in US elections by donating to candidates or volunteering for campaigns, but they are not eligible to vote.
Green cards must be renewed every 10 years to remain valid. While having a green card does not 100% guarantee the holder protection from deportation, it does guarantee freedom from deportation if the deportation would have been due to a change in immigration laws.
The Constitution: Safeguarding Citizens from Illegal Searches and Seizures
You may want to see also

Travel and residence
Green card holders have complete freedom to travel and reside anywhere in the US and it is easier for them to travel internationally than for other visa holders. However, they are not protected from deportation. If a green card holder remains in the US for eight or more years, then leaves the country permanently, they would be expected to pay expatriation and exit taxes similar to those paid by a US citizen who renounced their citizenship.
Green card holders are protected by the same laws and ordinances that US citizens are, including state and local laws. They are required to file income tax returns and report their income to the US Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. They are also expected to support the democratic form of government, although this does not include voting.
Green card holders are eligible to participate in US elections by donating to candidates or volunteering for campaigns, but they are not eligible to vote. They must also register with the Selective Service if they are male and aged 18-25.
Green cards are valid for 10 years and must be renewed to remain valid.
Foreign Nationals: Constitutional Rights and Protections?
You may want to see also

Federal benefits
Green card holders are protected by the same laws and ordinances that US citizens are. They are also protected by the laws of their state of residence and local jurisdictions.
Green card holders can apply for federal benefits, including Social Security and education assistance. However, there are some benefits that are not available to green card holders, such as voting in federal, state, or local elections. Green card holders are also not allowed to hold certain positions related to US security.
Green card holders have the freedom to travel and reside anywhere in the US and it is easier for them to travel internationally compared to other visa holders. They are also eligible to participate in US elections by donating to candidates or volunteering for campaigns.
If a green card holder remains in the US for eight or more years and then leaves the country permanently, they are expected to pay expatriation and exit taxes similar to those paid by a US citizen who renounced their citizenship.
Employer Free Speech: Union Views and Legal Boundaries
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Deportation
Green card holders are protected by the same laws and ordinances that US citizens are. They are also protected by the laws of their state of residence and local jurisdictions. However, green card holders are not protected from deportation. While having a green card does not 100% guarantee the holder protection from deportation, it does guarantee freedom from deportation if the deportation would have been due to a change in immigration laws.
Green card holders are not protected from deportation. This means that they can be deported from the US. There are several reasons why a green card holder might be deported. One reason could be if they have committed a crime. Another reason could be if they have overstayed their visa. If a green card holder is deported, they may be able to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility. This would allow them to return to the US. To apply for a waiver, the green card holder would need to show that their deportation would cause extreme hardship to their family. They would also need to show that they have been rehabilitated if they were deported for a criminal conviction.
Alien Rights: Do They Fall Under Constitutional Law?
You may want to see also

Elections
Green card holders are not eligible to vote in federal, state or local elections. However, they are protected by the same laws and ordinances that US citizens are, and they are eligible to participate in US elections by donating to candidates or volunteering for campaigns.
Green card holders are required to file their income tax returns and report their income to the US Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. They are also expected to support the democratic form of government, although this does not include voting. Male green card holders aged 18-25 are required to register with the Selective Service.
Green card holders can legally work in any type of job they are qualified for, with the exception of some positions related to US security. They can also apply for federal benefits, including Social Security (after a specific residency period has elapsed) and education assistance.
If a green card holder remains in the US for eight or more years, then leaves the country permanently, they would be expected to pay expatriation and exit taxes similar to those paid by a US citizen who renounced their citizenship. While having a green card does not 100% guarantee the holder protection from deportation, it does guarantee freedom from deportation if the deportation would have been due to a change in immigration laws.
American Citizens: Constitutional Protections in Europe?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, green card holders are protected by the same laws and ordinances that US citizens are.
No, green card holders are not eligible to vote in US elections. However, they can support or volunteer for the campaigns of elected officials.
Yes, green card holders can legally work in any type of job they're qualified for, with the exception of some positions related to US security.
Yes, green card holders have complete freedom to move throughout the US and live anywhere within its borders.
Yes, green card holders are required to file income tax returns and report their income to the US Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.

























