Lawful Permanent Residence
Lawful permanent residents (LPRs), also known as “green card” holders, are non-citizens who are lawfully authorized to live permanently within the United States. LPRs may accept an offer of employment without special restrictions, own property, receive financial assistance at public colleges and universities, and join the Armed Forces. They also may apply to become U.S. citizens if they meet certain eligibility requirements. The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provides several broad classes of admission for foreign nationals to gain LPR status, the largest of which focuses on admitting immigrants for the purpose of family reunification. Other major categories include economic and humanitarian immigrants, as well as immigrants from countries with relatively low levels of immigration to the United States.
LPR status can only be lost through the removal (deportation) process, or if it is voluntarily relinquished by the individual. If you are a Lawful Permanent Resident, certain actions and certain criminal activity could cause the government to attempt to remove (deport) you from the U.S.
Do you think you may qualify for a "green card," or Lawful Permanent Resident status?
You may be eligible to apply for a "green card" if:
- You are the immediate relative of a U.S. Citizen
- Spouse,
- Unmarried child under 21 years of age, or
- Parent of a U.S. citizen age at least 21.
- You are the relative under the family-based preference categories if:
- Child (married or over 21 years of age) of a U.S. Citizen.
- Spouse or Unmarried child under 21 years of age of an LPR.
- Unmarried child over 21 years of age of an LPR
- Married child of a U.S. Citizen.
- Sibling of a U.S. Citizen over age 21.
- If you are the fiancé(e) of a U.S. Citizen or the child of a fiancé(e) to a U.S. Citizen
- If you are the widow(er) of a U.S. Citizen
- If you are a VAWA self-petitioner
You must also be admissible to the U.S. under the Immigration and Nationality Act § 212(a).
The most common way Bobcats adjust to LPR status is through family members, such as a spouse, child, or parent. However, there are complicated preference categories and priority dates. Make an appointment with the Attorney for Students Office to discuss your case, options, and timeline.
Current Permanent Residents
Lawful Permanent Residents have some unique concerns anytime they make contact with the criminal justice system or leave the U.S. for an extended amount of time. LPR status is revokable, meaning that it can be taken away from you.
Some common ways LPR status may be revoked include:
Criminal Convictions
Fraud or Misrepresentation
Abandonment of LPR status by living outside of the U.S. for extended amounts of time.
The Attorney for Students Office is comprised of three attorneys with more than 35 years of combined legal experience. Additionally, the Attorney for Students has ten years of immigration experience, so Bobcats can rest assured that their case is in good hands.
Our office--including attorneys and all of our office staff--is bound by the duty of confidentiality and attorney-client privilege. Any communication you make with our office, including phone calls, emails, or in-person and virtual meetings, are protected and privileged. Information about your status or other personal information is safe here.
To make an appointment with an immigration lawyer, give us a call at (512) 245-2370. Be sure to have your student ID # (ex: A01234567) available to schedule an appointment.