Here is a copy paste from the FAQ in this website.
Q62 What are the benefits/restrictions of a U.S. Permanent Resident?
A62 Ability to leave/enter the U.S. at will without the risk of being
denied entry by an Immigration official at the port of entry.
- Right to apply for government-sponsored financial aid for education.
- Permission to work in any company located in U.S. territory
regardless of job function, hours/week, etc. except for some
companies that only hire U.S. citizens.
- Permission to start own business and create own corporation.
- To keep PR, the person must reside in the U.S. for a minimum number
of days per year (does anybody know what's the limit?)
- Permanent residents can get into welfare if unable to get a job.
- Permanent residents can sponsor spouse and unmarried children to
obtain PR status.
- Permanent residency can be revoked if the permanent resident gets
involved in illegal activities. An example is a case that was discussed
in this newsgroup where a permanent resident was deported for drug use.
- Permanent residents cannot vote.
- Permanent residents get Social Security benefits when they retire.
[see the next section regarding SS benefits]
[Index] [Compiled by Law Offices of Rajiv S Khanna]
Q63 Can I travel abroad?(Connected to the previous question)
A63 Yes. You can travel outside the United States. When you travel, you must,
1) take your green card to show BCIS when you come back
2) keep a record of the dates each time you leave and come back
3) always reenter legally (use the border checkpoint)
[Index] [Compiled by Law Offices of Rajiv S Khanna]
Q64 Do I have to register with Selective Service?
A64 If you are a male over 17 but under 26, you must register with the Selective Service. If you do not register, you may be subject to criminal prosecution. If convicted, you could be deported.
[Index] [Compiled by Law Offices of Rajiv S Khanna]
Q65 Do I have other responsibilities?
A65 Yes. Be sure to,
1) pay taxes you owe
2)report any change of address to BCIS within 10 days
3)have your children who are permanent residents register within
BCIS within 10 days of turning 14
[Index] [Compiled by Law Offices of Rajiv S Khanna]
Q66 If I am a permanent resident, can I get public benefits?
A66 You can get many public benefits. These include,
1. most forms of Medicaid
2.food stamps (if you have amnesty as a farm worker)
3.unemployment benefits
4.Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you are 65 or over, blind,
or disabled
5.Social Security retirement or disability
6.help with housing costs
7.most federal scholarships and student loans
8.county general assistance
However, there are some benefits you cannot get for five years after you
filed your first amnesty application. These are,
1.food stamps (if you have amnesty because you came to United States
before Jan. 1, 1982)
2.welfare (AFDC)
Your family members who are U.S. citizens are eligible for all forms
of public benefits.
[Index] [Compiled by Law Offices of Rajiv S Khanna]
Q67 Is it safe to get public benefits?
A67 If you or your family members get public benefit, it will not affect your
ability to become a citizen. But before you travel, remember - if you
depend on public benefits, BCIS can keep you from re-entering the United
States. Also, your family members who get permission to stay under the
"family unity" program will have to show that they do not depend on
public benefits when they go to get their green card.
[Index] [Compiled by Law Offices of Rajiv S Khanna]
Q68 Why should I become a U.S. citizen?
A68 If you are a U.S. citizen, you will be able to,
1. get green cards for your spouse and unmarried children without a
long wait
2.get green cards for your parents, your married children, and your
brothers and sisters
3.vote
4.get a U.S. passport
5.work for the U.S. government or in the other jobs that are closed to
non-citizens
