A green card states you are a permanent resident of the United States, not a citizen, but with the opportunity to live and work in this country, and the opportunity for earning U.S. citizenship later on.

Getting a green card, usually through a family, spouse, or business, can be tough. Keeping your green card can be hard too. If you have a good immigration lawyer, these problems can go away. A talented immigration lawyer can walk you through getting and keeping a green card legally, and later give you the opportunity for you and your family to become U.S. citizens.

Why is a green card such a big deal? Let’s go over some major benefits those with a green card, permanent residency status, have in the United States.

You Can Leave the US. and Return with a  Green Card
If you have to leave often to visit family in another country, or if you have business outside the U.S. on a regular basis, a green card makes reentry simple. With a green card, you’ll have less chance of not being permitted to reenter the country. You still have to reenter legally, so be sure to show the USCIS your green card when you return. Also, do not break any major laws outside the country.

Green Card Length
A green card makes it so you need not worry about expiration. The actual “card” for permanent resident status lasts 10 years. Also, green card status itself is valid for your entire life. This too saves you time and worries of having to reapply: once you’re in, you will stay in provided you follow all laws.

Education Grants with a Green Card
With a green card, though you have less rights than U.S. citizens, there are many special benefits you can earn. You can apply for government financial aid. Also, if you wanted to go to a major college, all permanent residents of the United States pay less tuition to universities and colleges. The “in-state” tuition bonus is applied to your education, often saving you tens of thousands of dollars that many foreigners are forced to pay.

Green Cards and Jobs
You have the right to any job within the country. If you apply with a major automobile factory, for example, no matter the work involved, hours per week, and pay, you are eligible. Some companies hire only U.S. citizens, but many offer opportunities to talented permanent residents. So, it makes sense that you can go to college, get a good education, and apply to top jobs in your specialty.

Retirement in the U.S. and Green Cards
If you worked with a company for 10 or more years, you are then eligible for social security benefits. For example, you worked with an automobile company for 15 years; social security taxes were applied to your paycheck; that’s why you’re eligible.

Sponsoring Family for Green Cards
There are many other benefits of getting a green card, but one which may be close to your heart is  sponsoring a spouse or child for permanent resident status just like you. This is common in the U.S., and with the help of a good immigration lawyer, your family has a good chance of earning permanent resident status.