The issue of Green Cards has been getting a lot of attention in our nation these days. People in Kentucky and throughout the United States may want to get more information about what a Green Card is and what it does. This way, they can better understand this important topic.
The legal term for those who have a Green Card is “lawful permanent residence.”. Having status as an LPR allows a person to reside and work permanently in the U.S. This is a very important advantage that can better a person’s life. However, it is also important to understand what a Green Card cannot do. It cannot vest a person with the right to vote. Also, under certain circumstances, it is still possible for a person with a Green Card to be deported. For example, convictions for aggravated felonies can lead to deportation. In addition, if a person wishes to keep their status as an LPR, they cannot reside outside of the U.S. for over six months. Moreover, a Green Card must be renewed every 10 years.
That being said, having status as an LPR opens the door for a person to seek U.S. citizenship. While the naturalization process generally takes five years, if the person seeking citizenship is married to a U.S. citizen, then the naturalization process can be completed in three years. Therefore, it is important that one lawfully obtains status as an LPR, so they can start the naturalization process if desired.
Keep in mind that there are many procedures that must be followed in order to obtain status as an LPR. Certain forms need to be accurately filled out and filed with the appropriate agencies. If a form is incomplete or other steps in the Green Card process are missed, it could extend the period of time it takes for a person to obtain status as an LPR, or it could keep a person from obtaining status as an LPR altogether. Therefore, it can help to obtain the assistance of legal professionals, such as the team at the Law Office of Dennis M. Clare, PSC, for advice on how to proceed in obtaining lawful permanent residency or naturalization.
