The green card holds the foreign national’s photograph, signature and a fingerprint. This card also allows the holder to travel anywhere across the world and to return as long as primary residence in the U.S. is maintained. These cards can also be obtained through close family relations, employers etc. Visas are always available for the immediate family members of United Nations citizenship (spouse, parent and a minor child).

Green Card also refers to an immigration process of becoming a permanent resident, it serves as a proof of the holder that he or she is officially granted to reside and take employment in United States. One can apply for his or her green card after five years of his residency in the U.S. this period is also shortened to three years if Married to a U.S. citizen, or four years if permanent residency is received through asylum.  The process of obtaining a green card can be time consuming and complicated. Not all the foreign individuals are eligible to work in United States but if you are having the green card then no one can stop you working in U.S. Don’t create the impression that you are not living in the United States once you have obtained the green card. If you leave the United States for too long, you may lose your green card also.

Recent changes in the United States visa policy and procedures have increased the amount of time it can take to obtain a U.S. green card. Several steps have been taken by the immigration authorities to reduce delays and speed up green card processing. Mostly, the immigration authorities’ intention is to deliver the green card within one month from the time of application. Sometimes it may take less time and sometimes longer.

Primarily there are two ways by which you might become a citizen of the United States.

Birth – If you are born within the territorial boundary of the United States or, if you are born of an American parent, who already holds the American citizenship.

Naturalization – Naturalization refers to the process, where in you approach the United States government with a citizenship request, as per the policies laid down by the federal government.

Being a Citizen of the United States would bring in a bagful of rights for you. The same has been briefly discussed about here to give you an idea of the same.

Rights of an US Citizen

Voting – As a citizen of the United States you would have the right to cast your vote in the federal elections, and you would be able to exercise your choice in choosing the next president of the United States of America.

Serve as Jury – As a citizen you would have the privilege to serve as the jury, and you would have your liberty to pronounce a person guilty or not guilty in a trial in any of the federal courts where you would be invited for being present in the trial and there after expressing your opinion.

Invite to United States – As a Citizen you would have the right to invite your family members to the United States of America, who till date have been staying in some different country. You would also have the liberty to file a request for their permanent residency with you.

Obtain Citizenship – In case your children are born in a different country other than the United States you would be allowed to obtain a citizenship for them.

US Passport – Being a citizen of the United States of America would mean that you would be eligible to get an American passport and you would be allowed to travel with the same all over the world.

Work for Federal offices – As a citizen you would be allowed to apply for a federal job opening.

Grant Eligibility – You would be eligible for obtaining the benefits of the federal grants and the scholarships.