lawful permanent residency

Lawful permanent residency, often called a green card, grants a foreign national the right to live and work permanently in the United States. It provides legal status without citizenship, allowing the holder to enjoy many of the same rights as U.S. citizens, such as working legally and accessing certain benefits. Green card holders can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship if desired. The process involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, such as family connections, employment, or asylum status, and undergoing background checks. Holding a green card is a significant step toward integrating fully into American society with long-term legal residency rights.