What exactly is a green card

[outwest]

We all keep hearing of these "green card sharks" etc, I know a
guy who is married to a pinay in my town, he says the green card
only allows them to work, and she got hers right away.
I thought that it takes 3-5 years to get adjustment of status,
is that the same thing.

[Dave H]

... in response to What exactly is a green card, posted by outwest on Mar 18, 2001

outwest,

It is the "pot of gold" at the end of the rainbow. Provided you are a "green card shark" or a "gold digger." Darn I said those banned words again. ;o))

The "green card" is Alien Registration Receipt Card (ARC). It is given to immigrants that become permanent residents of the US. They give the person the right to live and work permanently in the US.

There are temporary visas that allow people to work on a temporary basis in the US.

Adjustment of Status occurs when someone comes to the US on a certain classification of Visa and the status changes afterward. For instance, your fiancee comes to the US on a K-1 Fiancee Visa (nonimmigrant visa - 90 days) and you marry. She must now apply for her green card. If not, she will have to leave the US within the 90 time limit of the K-1 Visa. There is a 2-year conditional residency placed on green cards (to discourage fraud) obtained through marriage to an American. The spouse will only get a conditional "green card" until the 2 years are up. Then they will have to apply to the INS to have the conditions removed, making the green card permanent. Thus, the concern of some people, as to whether the spouse will change for the worse after the 2-year period is up and they have obtained their "green cards," making them permanent residents of the US.

Dave H.

[Tim]

... in response to What exactly is a green card, posted by outwest on Mar 18, 2001

The green card allows a foreign person to become a "lawful permanent resident". It is conditional for the first two years, unless the person had to wait that long to get the interview in which case it is not conditional. After the conditions are removed, it is good for 10 years.

The green card allows the foreign person to live legally, work, and re-enter the USA after travelling out of the country.

The guy you talked to must have lived in Dallas or Detroit. The INS offices in those two cities offer "instant AOS" to K-1 applicants. This lets them get their green card right away, with no waiting period. It is a "pilot program" that no other INS offices are doing.

Those of us living in other areas must wait anywhere from a few months to a few years after we file our wives' AOS to get the AOS interview, and that is why it takes so long for most people to get their green card.

Hope this helps some, I tried to give the highlights without getting too lengthy.

Regards, Tim

[Windmill Boy]

... in response to Re: What exactly is a green card, posted by Tim on Mar 18, 2001

Tim

"Instant AOS" to K1 applicants in Dallas and Detroit INS offices  since they are doing a pilot program  --- honestly doesn't  mean very much to me since I am not quite ready to pursue the MOB process and all of it legalities.

I did find it Ironic though  that these are the two cities that always play NFL football on Thanksgiving.  What do you think is it some kind of government payback scheme.  ha ha ha

Say hello to wendy and we always enjoy your postings and pictures.  especially about how your lives are transitioning together.

Windmill Boy

[Tim]

... in response to Re: Re: What exactly is a green card, posted by Windmill Boy on Mar 19, 2001

Did you get to read them ? I had made a series of posts on this board called "My Reflections" around the December 26-28, 2000, timeframe. They covered alot of my thoughts about the process (as we did it), and our transition to life together now. I had your request in mind when I wrote them, WB, so I hope you got to read them.

They might still be in the archives if you missed them.

Regards, Tim

[Windmill Boy]

... in response to Those "Reflections"  Posts Wer..., posted by Tim on Mar 19, 2001

Thanks Tim

I am sure I read them and enjoyed them   but maybe I will go into the Archives and look at them again.  

We all enjoy your insightfull writing style, especially your posts that deal with your past experiences and your day to day adjustment to blending two cultures.  Of course your contributions about going through the legal formalities are invaluable especially for others here going through the same process.  

But as you may recall I am still foot loose and fancy free  still side stepping around that cccccomittment issue (I can barely say it ha ha ha).  And I really savor the Asiatic cultural experiences that are recanted here by the members.

At least I am getting slightly educated about the region and other various topics  (IE  Fish farting -- thanks Kevin)

All the best!

Windmill Boy

[Tim]

... in response to Re: Those "Reflections"  Posts..., posted by Windmill Boy on Mar 19, 2001

Sorry, couldn't resist that play on Johnny Cochran's words.

WB, I hope I am still around here when you finally get off the fence and take action ! :-)

Regards, Tim

[Dave H]

... in response to Re: What exactly is a green card, posted by Tim on Mar 18, 2001

N/T

[kevin]

... in response to What exactly is a green card, posted by outwest on Mar 18, 2001

The true name of the document is "Permanent Resident Alien" card.  Nowadays it has a pink background with other colors melded in.  It is sealed in plastic, and the paper is very much like currencey to prevent counterfeiting.  I guess in the past there has been problems with counterfeiting these cards.

I guess until around the 1950's, the card was a green color.  It became popularly known around the world as the "green card".

Once this document is issued, it is good for ten years.  The permanent resident alien has the right to work in the United States.  When the card expires, it has to be renewed.  If the alien prefers to remain a citizen of the old country, the "green" card is preferable to citizenship.  Once "green card" status is acquired, the alien is eligible to apply for citizenship.

- Kevin