{"id":352889,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:52","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/visas\/immigrants-your-rights-as-a-permanent-resident.html"},"modified":"2026-06-02T16:16:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T21:16:00","slug":"immigrants-your-rights-as-a-permanent-resident","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/immigrants-your-rights-as-a-permanent-resident.html","title":{"rendered":"Permanent Resident Rights: The Benefits of Being a Green Card Holder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Permanent Resident Rights: The Benefits of Being a Green Card Holder<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Lawful <\/span>permanent residents<\/span> (green card holders<\/span>) enjoy most of the same freedoms that U.S. citizens<\/span> have. They can live and work anywhere in the U.S., access education and healthcare, and own property. They are also protected from discrimination. However, some restrictions apply to voting, certain employment, and extended international travel.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

A U.S.\u00a0green card<\/span>\u00a0or lawful <\/span>permanent residency<\/span> allows an individual to work and live in the U.S. permanently. Green card holders<\/span>, otherwise known as legal permanent residents<\/span> (LPRs), enjoy most of the benefits and freedoms a U.S. citizen<\/span> has under U.S. government regulations. They can also have the same protection under the\u00a0Civil Rights Act<\/a>\u00a0of 1964.<\/p>\n

Permanent residents<\/span> are also granted rights to education, employment, health care, housing, etc. They can adjust their immigration status<\/span> through naturalization<\/span>. Keep reading to learn more about lawful <\/span>permanent residents<\/span>\u2019 fundamental rights and freedoms.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t jeopardize your future in the U.S. An immigration lawyer<\/span><\/a> can help you understand your rights as a permanent resident<\/span> and avoid missteps that could put your status at risk.<\/p>\n

Rights of Permanent Residents<\/span> in the U.S.<\/h2>\n

As a permanent resident<\/span>, you have the right to:<\/p>\n