If you have successfully applied for and received your green card then, first of all, congratulations! Immigrating to the USA is not easy, by any means. However, while you are legally granted permanent citizenship, there are still ways that you can sabotage yourself if you’re not careful. Here are a few things you have to do once you have your green card.
Keep and secure your paperwork
If you want to make sure that you’re able to continue living in the US without issue, then you have to make sure that you keep a hold of any paperwork that you receive, including your green card. Not only can you be asked to present it for proof of your right to stay permanently in the country, but if you misplace it and it falls into the wrong hands, then identity theft becomes a very real and present danger.
Live a lawful life
Of course, it should go without saying that you want to avoid trouble with the law, regardless. However, when you’re a green card holder, you are enjoying a privilege that can be revoked and typically is for those found to be involved in deportable offenses, which can include firearm offenses, aggravated crimes, crimes involving drugs, and the like. If you are ever convicted of a crime, regardless of fault, you want a lawyer who deals with immigration as well as criminal defense to stop you from being deported.
Remove any conditions
Not all green cards come with a complete guarantee of permanent residence. Some of them have conditions on them, which you have to fulfill to remain. This may include having to stay employed under a certain employer. You can petition to have these conditions removed, in time, and you may want to look at the process of doing that so that you can secure your place in the country.
Make sure you renew it
If you have a permanent residence, then, so long as you are not found to commit any green card fraud or deportable offenses, you are guaranteed that right to remain in the US indefinitely. However, your green card itself has an expiry date. Make sure you know when you need to renew it and prepare for the green card renewal process ahead of time. You want to be able to present an active green card if you’re ever asked, not an expired one.
Build the proof of your residency
Aside from the tips above, you should take the time to build the proof that you have the legal right in the US to make sure that your case is unimpeachable, should it ever be questioned. Apply for a new social security card, file your taxes and keep your returns, get a driver’s license, and be sure to build relationships in the US so you have people to vouch for you, too.
With the tips above, you can cement your stay in the USA and make sure that you’re able to enjoy the privileges of the green card to its fullest. Never take your residence for granted and do what you can to protect it.
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