The Rights and Responsibilities of Permanent Residents in New Jersey
As a permanent resident of New Jersey, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities in order to fully participate in and contribute to your community. This blog post will outline some key aspects of permanent residency in New Jersey, including the rights and responsibilities that come with it.
Rights of Permanent Residents in New Jersey
- Right to live and work in the U.S.: As a permanent resident, you have the right to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.
- Right to travel: Permanent residents can travel outside the U.S. and return without a visa as long as they have a valid green card and have not abandoned their residency.
- Right to access public services: Permanent residents have access to public services such as education, healthcare, and social services.
- Right to legal protections: Permanent residents are entitled to certain legal protections such as due process and the right to an attorney.
- Right to apply for citizenship: Permanent residents can apply for citizenship after meeting certain requirements.
Responsibilities of Permanent Residents in New Jersey:
- Paying taxes: Permanent residents are required to pay federal, state, and local taxes just like U.S. citizens.
- Following laws: Permanent residents must follow all federal, state, and local laws, including traffic laws, criminal laws, and immigration laws.
- Registering for selective service: Male permanent residents between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register for selective service.
- Maintaining a valid green card: Permanent residents must keep their green card up to date and renew it every ten years.
- Supporting the U.S. Constitution: Permanent residents are required to support the U.S. Constitution and the laws of the U.S.
It is important to note that permanent residency is not the same as citizenship, and there are some rights and responsibilities that are exclusive to U.S. citizens. For example, only U.S. citizens can vote in federal elections.
Additionally, permanent residents in New Jersey have the right to participate in many aspects of civic life, including serving on a jury and joining a political party. Permanent residents also have the right to freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, just like U.S. citizens.
It’s also important to note that permanent residents have certain limitations when it comes to certain government benefits, such as Social Security and Medicare. In most cases, permanent residents must have worked and paid into these programs for a certain amount of time in order to be eligible for benefits.
In terms of immigration, permanent residents have the responsibility to comply with the terms and conditions of their status. This includes maintaining a permanent residence in the U.S., avoiding criminal activity, and not engaging in any actions that could result in the revocation of their green card. Additionally, permanent residents must adhere to the rules and regulations of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when applying for citizenship.
Being a permanent resident in New Jersey comes with certain rights and responsibilities that are essential for building a strong and vibrant community. By understanding and fulfilling these responsibilities, permanent residents can contribute to the economic and cultural growth of New Jersey while enjoying the many benefits of living in the United States.
As a law firm that specializes in immigration law, we understand the importance of ensuring that permanent residents in New Jersey are fully aware of their rights and responsibilities. We can provide legal guidance and representation for permanent residents who need assistance with understanding their status, complying with the requirements of their status, and applying for U.S. citizenship.
At The Scheer Immigration Law Group, we have experience representing clients in a wide range of immigration cases, including citizenship applications, deportation defense, and visa applications. We can provide personalized legal services to each of our clients and work with them to develop a strategy that meets their unique needs and goals.
Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to helping permanent residents in New Jersey achieve their immigration objectives and protect their rights. We stay up to date with changes in immigration law and policy to provide the most current and accurate legal advice to our clients.
If you are a permanent resident in New Jersey and need legal assistance with understanding your rights and responsibilities or navigating the complex immigration system, we are here to help. Contact The Scheer Immigration Law Group today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you.