Having a Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card or Form I-551, is a dream for many individuals looking to live and work in the United States. As the Green Card Lottery nears its conclusion, a growing number of individuals are eagerly exploring alternative pathways and next steps on their journey towards achieving the American dream.
Green Card, a coveted document grants unrestricted work and residence authorization in the United States, making it a prized possession for those who obtain it. Whether you're an "Applicant" or "Beneficiary" in the process of applying for a Green Card or a "Lawful Permanent Resident" (LPR) who already possesses one, the Green Card offers a multitude of benefits and opportunities for a brighter future in the USA.
The History of the Green Card
The concept of the Green Card, or Lawful Permanent Residence, has a rich history in the United States. It traces back to the 19th and early 20th centuries when immigration to the country was largely unregulated. However, after the American Civil War, the U.S. Supreme Court introduced the first regulations. In 1933, the "U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service" (INS) was established.
The foundation for today's Green Card was laid during World War II when, in 1940, the U.S. Congress passed the Alien Registration Act, which established the first concrete rules for immigration. As a result, immigrants entering the United States were issued an ID card, which was initially bright green, hence the nickname "Green Card." In 2010, the U.S. government returned to the green design for the Green Card.
Advantages of Holding a Green Card
Owning a Green Card offers numerous privileges, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking to live and work in the United States. Some of these benefits include:
- Unlimited Residency: Green Card holders can reside in the United States indefinitely, allowing them to choose their place of residence freely.
- Unlimited Work Permit: Green Card holders have unrestricted work authorization in the USA, giving them the freedom to pursue various employment opportunities.
- Easy Entry and Exit: Green Card holders can enter and leave the United States without the need for a visa or ESTA, making international travel hassle-free.
- Eligibility for Government Benefits: After being a Green Card holder for five years, individuals may be eligible for Medicare benefits and other government assistance.
- Lower-Cost Education: Green Card holders can study in the USA at a significantly lower cost compared to international students.
- Federal Student Loans: They can also access federal loans for education, making it easier to pursue higher education in the United States.
- Crisis Security: Green Card holders are often not affected by travel embargoes or restrictions, ensuring their security in challenging times.
- Business and Commercial Opportunities: Obtaining business and commercial licenses is uncomplicated for Green Card holders.
- Family Eligibility: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age are automatically eligible for a Green Card.
- Path to U.S. Citizenship: Green Card holders can apply for U.S. citizenship after being a Green Card holder for either three or five years, depending on the circumstances.
How to Obtain a Green Card
There are several ways to obtain a Green Card, and the most common methods include:
- Employment: Securing a job in the USA is one pathway to obtaining a Green Card. Employers can sponsor foreign workers for Green Cards in certain situations.
- Family Reunion: Individuals with close relatives who are U.S. citizens or Green Card holders may be eligible to apply for a Green Card through family reunification.
- Green Card Lottery: The Green Card Lottery, officially known as the Diversity Visa Lottery, is a random drawing that awards Green Cards to applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
- Investment: Making a significant investment in a U.S. company can also lead to a Green Card through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.
For many, the Green Card Lottery is the most accessible option, as it offers a chance to live a worry-free life in the USA. However, it's essential to follow the application process meticulously and consider seeking assistance from experts to avoid disqualification.
Green Card Lottery and Global Distribution
The Green Card Lottery, also known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, offers individuals from eligible countries the opportunity to win a Green Card. However, not all countries are equally represented in the lottery, leading to varying levels of success for applicants.
The distribution of Green Cards in the DV Lottery is based on specific quotas assigned to each continent and participating country. These quotas aim to ensure diversity and fairness in the immigration program. As a result, the number of Green Cards available to each country is limited, with a maximum cap set at 3,500 per year.
Europe and Africa receive the highest allocations, with approximately 20,000 Green Cards each. This distribution system ensures that individuals from a variety of countries have a chance to win a Green Card, contributing to the diversity of the U.S. immigrant population.
Global Winners of the Green Card Lottery represent a diverse group of individuals from around the world who have secured a pathway to the United States through this unique program. Among these individuals, nationals from Central Asian countries have also been fortunate recipients of the Green Card, allowing them to pursue their American dream.
Uzbekistan, with 5,555 Green Card winners, stands out as one of the prominent countries in the region to secure this opportunity. These individuals, representing a cross-section of Uzbek society, now have the chance to make the United States their new home, bringing with them their unique perspectives and contributions to American society.
Other Central Asian countries have also seen their nationals benefit from the Green Card Lottery:
- Turkmenistan: 1,313 Green Card winners from Turkmenistan have achieved the dream of relocating to the United States. Their journey is a testament to their determination and the opportunities that the Green Card Lottery can provide.
- Tajikistan: With 3,580 Green Card winners, Tajikistan has a significant presence among the global winners. These individuals will have the chance to experience life in the USA, with all the rights and privileges that come with being a Green Card holder.
- Kyrgyzstan: The 4,464 Green Card winners from Kyrgyzstan bring their unique backgrounds and aspirations to the United States. This diversity enriches the cultural tapestry of the nation.
- Kazakhstan: With 2,728 Green Card winners, Kazakhstan represents yet another group of individuals who will embark on a new chapter in their lives, contributing to the diverse and dynamic landscape of the United States.
Obligations of Green Card Holders
While the Green Card offers numerous benefits, it comes with certain obligations. The primary purpose of the Green Card is for individuals to establish their center of life in the USA. While there is some flexibility in the initial years, Green Card holders should eventually plan to relocate permanently to the United States. Staying outside the country for more than 12 months (or 24 months upon application) at a time can lead to the loss of Green Card rights.
Green Card Validity
Once obtained, a Green Card is valid for life, granting the holder permanent residency and work authorization in the USA. However, the physical Green Card, as an identity document, has a validity of ten years and must be renewed in a timely manner. Initiating the renewal process should be done no later than 6 months before the card's expiration.
Certain circumstances, such as becoming a U.S. citizen, criminal acts, or violating immigration law, can lead to the expiration of a Green Card's validity. It's essential for Green Card holders to understand these factors to maintain their status as legal U.S. residents.
Living in the USA Without a Green Card
While living in the USA with temporary work visas is possible, it often involves challenges, uncertainties, and the risk of losing one's status. With a Green Card, individuals can plan for a more stable life in the United States, with opportunities for permanent employment, driving privileges, homeownership, and access to loans.
In times of crisis, such as when temporary visas are not renewed and financial aid is limited to U.S. citizens and Green Card holders, having a Green Card provides security and stability. Participating in the Green Card Lottery is a proactive step to secure a path to permanent residency in the United States.
The Green Card is a gateway to realizing the American dream for many individuals around the world. Whether you are pursuing it through employment, family reunification, investment, or the Green Card Lottery, it offers the promise of a secure and prosperous future in the United States. While the process may have evolved since the days of the bright green "Alien Card," the allure of the Green Card remains strong, providing countless opportunities and the chance to call the USA home. These Global Winners from Central Asian countries bring with them not only their aspirations but also their rich cultures, traditions, and experiences, contributing to the vibrant mosaic of American society.
By: Mokhinur Sultanova
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