What Green Card Holders Can & Cannot Do

Once you have a green card, you have the right to:

• Apply for U.S. citizenship, albeit only after three or five years
• Live and travel within all 50 states and U.S. territories
• Sponsor immigrating relatives
• Pursue work
• Receive medical care
• Apply for federal student financial aid
• Apply for educational programs
• You may also benefit from protection from local, state, & federal law enforcement. 

However, any male immigrant who receives a green card while between the ages of 18 and 25 must apply for Selective Services in the U.S. Armed Forces. There are other drawbacks, too, including the following:

• The inability to vote in U.S. elections before you receive full citizenship
• Green card holders may not live in any other nation for more than a year

You can discuss the other “dos and don’ts” of green card possession during your case consultation with our team.