Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) or Green Card

A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), also known as a green card holder, is a non-U.S. citizen who has been granted the right to live and work in the United States permanently. LPRs are authorized to live and work in the United States indefinitely, but they are not U.S. citizens and do not have all the rights and privileges of citizenship, such as the right to vote or hold certain government jobs.

There are several ways to obtain LPR status, including family-based sponsorship, employment-based sponsorship, asylum or refugee status, and through the Diversity Visa Lottery program. In general, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria and go through an application process to be considered for LPR status.

Once an individual obtains LPR status, they can live and work in the United States permanently and can travel outside of the country and re-enter as long as they have a valid green card and do not stay outside of the U.S. for too long. LPRs are also eligible for certain government benefits and protections, such as the ability to apply for a Social Security card and a driver’s license.

It is important to note that LPRs can lose their status and be subject to deportation if they commit certain crimes or violate certain immigration laws. LPRs are also subject to certain restrictions, such as the requirement to report changes of address to the government and the inability to vote in federal elections.