Permanent Residence & Green Cards

If a foreign national wants to become a permanent resident of the United States, he or she needs to obtain a green card. A green card grants the ability to work or live in the U.S. as long as desired, travel freely in and out of the U.S., and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. Green card holders are required to maintain an actual residence in the U.S. and pay taxes on worldwide income. Green cards can be revoked if the holder violates certain criminal or immigration laws.

A person who only intends to remain in the US temporarily should apply for a nonimmigrant visa instead of a green card.

There are several different green card categories with distinct eligibility requirements: these include Immediate Relatives, Preference (family and employment), Lottery, Investors, Special Immigrants, Refugees and Political Asylees, Temporary Protected Status, Amnesty, Special Agricultural Workers, and Long-Term Illegal Residents.

The attorneys at Mehlman TerBeek LLP can advise you and guide you through the green card application process. Contact us at 925-935-3575 to discuss your case.