Rights and Responsibilities of a Green Card Holder (Permanent Resident)
Being a permanent resident means that you have new rights and responsibilities.
Your Rights as a Permanent Resident
As a permanent resident (Green Card holder), you have the right to:
- Live permanently in the United States provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable under immigration law
- Work in the United States at any legal work of your qualification and choosing. (Please note that some jobs will be limited to U.S. citizens for security reasons)
- Be protected by all laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions
Your Responsibilities as a Permanent Resident
As a permanent resident, you are:
- Required to obey all laws of the United States and localities;
- Required to file your income tax returns and report your income to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities;
- Expected to support the democratic form of government (“support” does not include voting. Permanent residents cannot vote in federal, state, or local elections.); and
- Required to register with the Selective Service, if you are a male age 18 through 25.
For more information, see the Maintaining Permanent Residence and International Travel as a Permanent Resident pages.
Related Links
More Information
- Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants (PDF, 3.57 MB)
- How Do I Get a Reentry Permit? (PDF, 667.32 KB)
Forms
- Green Card Based Forms
- I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
- I-131, Application for Travel Document
Other USCIS Links
- Green Card Resources
- How Do I Help My Relative Become a Lawful Permanent Resident? (PDF, 577.38 KB)
- How Do I Renew or Replace My Permanent Resident Card? (PDF, 550.19 KB)
- "How Do I" Guides for Permanent Residents
Non-USCIS Links
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