Green Card Benefits
A lawful permanent resident (green card holder) can live and work in the United States permanently. With a green card, you are allowed to apply for government sponsored financial aid for educational purposes. Even in universities and colleges, you can pay less tuition fee, also known as “in-state” tuition or “resident” tuition. It is generally three to four times lower than what other foreign nationals pay. Adding to these benefits, green card holders can work in any company located in the US regardless of job function, hours/week, etc. except for some companies that only hire US citizens.
Another significant advantage is that you need not worry about employer sponsorship. Some jobs in the US require security clearance and only green card holders and US citizens can get such clearance. So it is evident that a green card provides more job opportunities.
Green card holders are permitted to start their own business and create their own corporation. Social security is another major benefit you will get on retirement, that is if you had worked for 10 years (40 quarters) before you retire. You can also petition for your spouse and unmarried minor children under the age of 21 to get permanent resident status in the US. Under such instances, even if you lose your job or die, the green card that you got for your family will still be valid.
Another feature of being a green card holder is that you will have access to security clearances and also be eligible for government grants and be exempted from export restrictions. You can enjoy many privileges of most legal rights under US law except for voting, which is only for US citizens. After five years of being a green card holder, you will be eligible to apply for US citizenship, once you fulfill all the eligibility requirements needed while applying for American citizenship. It is not compulsory that you apply for US Citizenship and you can remain a green card holder forever. If your country allows dual citizenship with the US,you can get US citizenship without giving up your current nationality.
If you have a work permit, your spouse and minor unmarried children under 21 years of age can stay with you in the US as dependents. Even if you have a US work permit, your kids have to get student visas if they wish to study and work visas if they want to work. But, after getting a green card, they are permitted to stay in the US even after turning 21 years old and even if they get married.