Green Cards and Other Immigration Documents

Getting a Green Card

There are two ways to live in the U.S. permanently and legally:

• become a U.S. citizen, or
• get a "green card."

The U.S. government allows you (a non-citizen) to live here permanently by giving you a "Permanent Residence" card. This used to be called the "Alien Registration Receipt" card. Most people call it the "green card." This card gives allows you to live and work in the U.S.

There are several ways to get a green card. Here are the most common ones:

• "family petition" (Someone who is already U.S. citizen or permanent resident asks the U.S. to let an immediate relative immigrate to the U.S.)
• "refugee" or "asylum" status (You can apply for this if you believe that you cannot live safely in your own country.)
• employer petition (An employer asks the U.S. to give you a green card so that you can work for him.)
• "visa lottery" (You file a form with the U.S., applying for a yearly random lottery. If your name is picked, then you can apply for a green card.)
• "cancellation of removal" (If the U.S. is trying to deport you, you can try to get a green card. You must show that that your relative who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident would "suffer extremely" if you were deported.)

Once You Have Your Green Card

These are things you must do to keep your green card:

• If you are 18 or older, always carry your green card with you (in your wallet or your purse).
• If you move, you must give Immigration your new address within 10 days. Use form AR-11, or ask a lawyer or advocate to help you. Always send information to Immigration by "certified mail." (If you need help, ask the postal clerk to show you.) The post office will send you a card proving that Immigration got your mail. Also, keep a copy of everything you send to Immigration.
• If you are a male age 18 through 25, you must register for the Selective Service. This does not mean that you will have to do military service. Most of the time, U.S. military service is "voluntary." It does mean that the U.S. will know where to find you if they want to call you for military service. You can register on the Web or at any U.S. Post Office. (Ask a postal clerk for the registration form.)
• If you work, you must pay taxes and file an "Income Tax Return." You must do this for each year that you earn more than the minimum amount. The U.S. does not require you to file a return if you earn small amounts. (See Special Privileges and Obligations of Living in the U.S.)

Resources

Immigration Legal Aid in Maine

Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project
309 Cumberland Avenue, Suite 201
Portland, Maine 04101
207-780-1593 or 1-800-497-8505
info@ilapmaine.org
Services are free or low-fee depending on income
Walk-in consultations with an immigration lawyer are available every Friday. Call for hours.

Private Immigration Lawyers: See the "Immigration Law" listing under "Lawyers" in the Yellow Pages of the phone book.