Braxton Coyle explains what lawful permanent residents must do: pay taxes, obey all laws, and avoid arrests that could cost you your green card or naturalization. If you got your green card through marriage less than two years old, file Form I-751 three months before your two-year card expires or lose your status.
Hi, my name is Braxton Coyle, and I'm the managing attorney here at Reavis Associates. Today, I want to talk to you guys a little bit about what it means to be a lawful permanent resident in the United States. Being an LPR means that you have a green card. Congratulations, you're on your way to becoming a citizen. There's a few different things that are required with becoming a legal or lawful permanent resident in the United States. You have to pay your taxes. You have to abide by all the rules and regulations in the United States. If you get arrested, if something happens, that could have an impact on your eligibility to become a citizenship or to renew your green card. Those are all really, really important things, and if you don't have an attorney, I advise you reach out to us immediately so we can review your case and provide guidance on what you need to do in order to maintain your lawful permanent resident status or to become a citizen. A few other things to keep in mind when it comes to being an LPR or green card holder: if you have been married less than 2 years at the time of your green card interview, you're going to be issued what's called conditional residence card. That means that your green card is only going to be valid for 2 years. So when it comes up to 3 months before your card expires, you're going to have to file what's called a 751. That can get confusing and that requires a lot of proof, so I suggest you reach out to us so that we can help evaluate your case and get those conditions removed off your green card.
