As a permanent resident of the United States, you have most of the rights of a United States citizen, including the right to:

• Live permanently in the United States provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable (deportable) under the immigration law;
• Be employed in the United States at any legal work of your qualification and choosing except those that require citizenship because of security concerns; and
• Be protected by the laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions.

As a permanent resident, you also have certain responsibilities such as:

• You must maintain a residence and reside in the U.S. for at least 183 days per year;
• You are required to obey all of the laws of the United States, the States and localities;
• You are required to file your U.S. income tax returns and pay taxes appropriately (contact your tax advisor);
• You are expected to support the democratic form of government and cannot attempt to change the government through  illegal means; and
• If you are a male, age 18 through 25, you are required to register with the Selective Service (not applicable in your case).

Please click here to view information on maintaining your permanent resident status.

Be aware that you may lose your permanent residence status if you commit an act that makes you removable from the United States under the law in section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. 

Page Summary: Permanent Residents have some but not all of the rights of a U.S. citizen.