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Connecting Borders, Building Futures:
Your Immigration Journey Starts Here
CB Immigration Law:
Nashville Green Card Attorney
At CB Immigration Law, we understand your trust in our firm is paramount, and we are dedicated to providing unwavering support throughout your immigration journey. We recognize the intricate nature of immigration laws and the challenges they pose. The immigration process can be complex, challenging, and cumbersome. Our experienced team is here to navigate you through the complexities of the immigration process with expertise and dedication, ensuring your peace of mind every step of the way.
GREEN CARD
A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is an immigration document that allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the United States. Although some green cards are conditional and the conditions must be removed within a set period of time, most This status is permanent, but the card itself typically needs to be renewed every 10 years.
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A green card holder is called a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) once they receive the approval for permanent residency. A green card gives Legal Permanent Residents many benefits, but also come with many responsibilities.
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For those interested in pursuing a green card, there are two processes: 1) Adjustment of Status and 2) Consular Processing. The process depends on your physical location, as well as past and current immigration history.
Adjustment of Status
Affirmative asylum is a process through which individuals who are physically present in a country but are not in removal proceedings can apply for asylum. In the United States, for example, affirmative asylum seekers submit their application directly to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rather than through immigration court.
Consular Processing
Defensive asylum refers to the process by which an individual seeks asylum as a defense against removal (deportation) from the United States. This typically occurs when an individual is placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge and asserts a claim for asylum as a defense against deportation.
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Pathways to Obtaining a Green Card:
Several types of visas allow adjustment of status (AOS) in the United States, enabling individuals to transition from nonimmigrant status to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status (green card holder) without leaving the country. Here are some common visa categories that may allow adjustment of status:
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Asylee or Refugee Status:
Individuals granted asylum or refugee status in the United States may be eligible to adjust status to lawful permanent resident after one year of continuous presence in the United States.
Family-Based Immigration (Immediate Relatives and Family Preference Categories):
Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens fall under the immediate relative category, which often leads to LPR status. Family preference categories, including unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, and siblings of U.S. citizens, may also eventually lead to LPR status.
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Employment-Based Immigration:
Some employment-based immigrant visas lead to LPR status, such as EB-1 (priority workers), EB-2 (professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability), and EB-3 (skilled workers, professionals, and other workers).
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Diversity Visa Lottery:
Winners of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, also known as the green card lottery, may be eligible to adjust status if they meet all eligibility requirements, including maintaining lawful nonimmigrant status in the United States if present.
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Cancellation of Removal:
Certain nonimmigrants who are in removal proceedings and meet specific eligibility criteria may be eligible for cancellation of removal and adjustment of status.
Victims of Trafficking or Crime:
Victims of human trafficking (T-visa holders) or certain crimes (U-visa holders) may be eligible to adjust status after meeting certain requirements.
Special Immigrant Categories:
Certain special immigrant categories, such as religious workers, Afghan or Iraqi nationals who have worked for the U.S. government, and certain international broadcasters, may allow adjustment of status for eligible applicants.
Rights and Privileges of a Green Card:
A green card allows the holder to enjoy privileges otherwise unavailable to immigrants in the United States. The rights and privileges of a green card are:
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Permanent Residency:
A Green Card grants the holder the right to live and work permanently in the United States. It provides stability and security, allowing individuals to establish roots, pursue career opportunities, and build a life in the country.
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Work Authorization:
Green Card holders have the unrestricted right to work in the United States for any employer or engage in self-employment without the need for sponsorship or work visas. This provides flexibility and opportunities for career advancement and entrepreneurship.
Ability to Travel:
Green Card holders can travel freely in and out of the United States without the need for a visa. While there are some restrictions on prolonged absences from the United States that may affect eligibility for naturalization, Green Card holders generally enjoy the ability to travel internationally for personal or professional reasons.
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Access to Education and Healthcare:
Green Card holders have access to educational opportunities in the United States, including public schools, colleges, and universities. They may also qualify for certain government-funded healthcare programs and services, such as Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), depending on eligibility criteria.
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Social Security Benefits:
Green Card holders may be eligible for Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, if they meet the necessary requirements based on their work history and contributions to the Social Security system.
Ability to Sponsor Family Members:
Green Card holders can sponsor certain family members for immigration to the United States, including spouses, unmarried children, and parents, subject to eligibility requirements and numerical limits.
Path to Citizenship:
Holding a Green Card is the first step toward becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. Green Card holders who meet eligibility requirements can apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process after a certain period of time.
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Responsibilities of a Green Card holder:
Green Card holders, or lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States, have certain responsibilities to maintain their status and adhere to U.S. immigration laws. Here are some key responsibilities of Green Card holders:
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Obey Laws:
Green Card holders must abide by all federal, state, and local laws and regulations while living in the United States. This includes complying with immigration laws, as well as other laws related to employment, taxation, driving, and criminal activities.
File Taxes:
Green Card holders are required to file federal income tax returns and pay taxes on their worldwide income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year. They must report all income earned in the United States and abroad, as well as any applicable deductions and credits.
Maintain Residency:
Green Card holders must maintain their permanent residency in the United States and not abandon their status by residing outside the country for extended periods. Continuous residence is a requirement for naturalization, and prolonged absences from the United States may affect eligibility for citizenship.
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Notify USCIS of Address Changes:
Green Card holders are required to notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of any changes to their address within 10 days of moving. Failure to update USCIS with current address information can result in delays or complications with immigration-related correspondence.
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Renew Green Card:
Green Cards typically need to be renewed every 10 years. Green Card holders must file a Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, to renew their Green Card within six months of the expiration date.
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Report Criminal Convictions:
Green Card holders must disclose any criminal convictions to USCIS, even if the convictions occurred after obtaining permanent residency. Certain criminal offenses may have immigration consequences, including deportation (removal) from the United States.
Abide by Travel Restrictions:
Green Card holders must adhere to travel restrictions and limitations, including avoiding prolonged absences from the United States that may affect eligibility for naturalization. Traveling abroad for extended periods without obtaining a reentry permit may lead to abandonment of permanent residency.
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Comply with Selective Service Requirements:
Male Green Card holders between the ages of 18 and 26 must register with the Selective Service System, as required by law. Failure to register can result in ineligibility for certain federal benefits and programs, including citizenship.
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Connecting Borders, Building Futures:
Your Immigration Journey Starts Here
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APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED
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4015 Travis Drive, Suite 212,
Nashville, Tennessee 37211
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Email: info@cbimmigrationlaw.com
Phone: 615.899.2866
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