The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Difference Between Legal Permanent Resident and Green Card

As a law enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the immigration laws and the various pathways to obtaining permanent residency in the United States. One of the most common sources of confusion for many people is the difference between being a Legal Permanent Resident and having a green card. Let`s delve into this topic and unravel the intricacies of these two immigration statuses.

Legal Permanent Resident

A legal permanent resident, also known as a green card holder, is an individual who has been granted the right to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. Have the to employment, engage educational and travel of the while maintaining their status. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there are approximately 13.6 million legal permanent residents in the United States as of 2020.

Green Card

A green card is the official document that serves as evidence of an individual`s status as a legal permanent resident. It allows them to prove their eligibility to live and work in the United States indefinitely. The process of obtaining a green card meeting eligibility which may family employment offers, or asylee or specialized categories.

Key Differences

Legal Permanent Resident	Green Card
Status	Document
Grants the right to live and work in the U.S.	Serves as proof of legal permanent residency
Does expire	May need to be renewed every 10 years
Allows for international travel	Essential for re-entry into the U.S. After travel

Understanding the distinction between being a legal permanent resident and having a green card is essential for anyone navigating the U.S. Immigration system. Both offer benefits and and it`s to about the implications of each. If you or someone you know is considering pursuing permanent residency in the United States, seeking guidance from a qualified immigration attorney can provide invaluable support throughout the process.

Legal Permanent Resident vs Green Card Contract

In consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Parties to this agreement hereby agree as follows:

Contractor	Legal Permanent Resident
Client	Green Card Holder
Date	______________________

1. Definitions

In this Contract, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Legal Permanent Resident (LPR): Refers to individual who has been granted right to live and work in United States on a basis.

Green Card: Refers to official documentation issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to evidence an individual`s status as a legal permanent resident.

2. Legal Rights and Obligations

The Contractor, as a Legal Permanent Resident, shall have the right to reside and work in the United States indefinitely, subject to certain conditions and limitations as provided by law.

The Client, as a Green Card Holder, shall have the right to the same privileges and responsibilities as a Legal Permanent Resident, subject to maintaining lawful permanent resident status and complying with all applicable laws and regulations.

3. Termination

This Contract may be terminated by either party in accordance with applicable immigration laws and regulations, including but not limited to revocation of legal permanent resident status by USCIS or voluntary relinquishment of green card status by the Client.

4. Governing Law

This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States, including but not limited to the Immigration and Nationality Act and relevant USCIS regulations.

5. Entire Agreement

This Contract represents the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior discussions, understandings, and agreements.

Legal Permanent Resident vs Green Card: 10 Popular Questions Answered

Question	Answer
1. What is the difference between a legal permanent resident and a green card holder?	Ah, the eternal question! Let me break it down for you. A legal permanent resident is someone who has been granted the right to live in the United States indefinitely. On the other hand, a green card holder is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. In simple terms, a green card is the physical proof of someone`s status as a legal permanent resident. Got it?
2. Can a green card holder lose their legal permanent resident status?	Oh, absolutely! A green card holder can lose their legal permanent resident status if they commit certain crimes or engage in other activities that would make them removable under immigration law. It`s important to always adhere to the laws and regulations to maintain your legal permanent resident status.
3. What are the rights of a legal permanent resident?	Oh, the rights of a legal permanent resident are quite extensive! They have the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely, travel outside of the country and return, and apply to become a U.S. citizen after meeting certain eligibility requirements. It`s a pretty sweet deal, if you ask me!
4. Can a green card holder apply for citizenship?	Absolutely! A green card holder can apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting certain eligibility requirements, such as being a legal permanent resident for a specific period of time and demonstrating good moral character. It`s a big step, but definitely worth considering for those who want to fully integrate into the American society.
5. Can a legal permanent resident be deported?	Yes, indeed. A legal permanent resident can be deported if they engage in certain activities that would make them removable under immigration law. It`s important to always stay on the right side of the law to avoid any potential issues with deportation. Safety first, right?
6. Do green card holders have the right to work in the United States?	You bet! Green card holders have the right to work in the United States without needing any additional authorization. It`s one of the perks of being a permanent resident and definitely comes in handy when looking for employment opportunities.
7. Can a legal permanent resident sponsor family members for green cards?	Absolutely! A legal permanent resident can sponsor certain family members for green cards, including their spouse, unmarried children, and unmarried son or daughter. It`s a great way to reunite with family members and create a sense of togetherness in the United States.
8. How long does a green card last?	A green card typically lasts for 10 years, after which it needs to be renewed. It`s important to keep track of the expiration date and initiate the renewal process in a timely manner to avoid any interruptions in legal permanent resident status. Time flies, it?
9. Can a legal permanent resident travel outside of the United States?	Of course! A legal permanent resident can travel outside of the United States, but it`s important to always maintain a strong connection to the country to avoid any issues with reentry. It`s all about finding the right balance between exploring the world and staying connected to your home base.
10. Can a green card holder be denied entry into the United States?	Yes, a green card holder can be denied entry into the United States if they have committed certain crimes or engaged in other activities that would make them inadmissible under immigration law. It`s crucial to always uphold the highest standards of conduct to avoid any complications with reentry. Better safe than sorry!