What Is a Green Card? A Green Card (Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551) allows non-U.S. citizens to: Live permanently in the U.S., including Fort Worth, TX. Work without restrictions. Access most rights of U.S. citizens. All permanent residents 18+ must carry their Green Card. Expired cards must be renewed every 10 years. Brief History 1933: U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) formed. Post-WWII: Alien Registration Act introduced the first ID card for lawful residents. 2010: Standard green design adopted. Benefits Live and work freely in the U.S. Travel in and out of the U.S. without a Visa. Access government benefits after 5 years. In-state tuition and educational support. How to Obtain a Green Card Employment-based: Sponsored by a U.S. employer. Family-based: Through close relatives. Diversity Lottery: Annual random selection (55,000 visas). Investment-based: Significant business investment in the U.S. Responsibilities & Restrictions Cannot stay outside the U.S. for more than 12 months without permission. Must carry and renew the card every 10 years. Status can be revoked for serious crimes or law violations. Green Card as ID Required for employment verification, bank accounts, driver’s licenses, and official procedures. Path to U.S. Citizenship Eligible after 5 years as a Green Card holder (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). Must meet residency, state, language, and civics requirements. Legal Assistance Green Card applications can be complex. Fort Worth Immigration Lawyers help applicants: Prepare and review petitions. Avoid errors or delays. Navigate requirements for successful approval. Dallas Immigration Lawyers 2550 Pacific Ave #866-B Dallas, TX 75226 (817) 373-5535 https://www.DallasImmigrationLawyers.com