Legal Definitions - lawful permanent resident (LPR)

A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) is an individual who has been granted the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States. This status is often referred to as holding a "green card," which is the official identification card issued to LPRs.

LPRs are non-citizens who enjoy many of the same rights and responsibilities as U.S. citizens. They can reside anywhere in the U.S., work for any employer without needing specific work visas, own property, and receive certain government benefits. Like citizens, LPRs are also required to pay U.S. taxes. However, key differences include that LPRs cannot vote in federal elections and may be ineligible for certain jobs or scholarships reserved exclusively for citizens. For many immigrants, becoming an LPR is a crucial step toward eventually applying for U.S. citizenship.

LPR status can be obtained through various pathways, most commonly through sponsorship by a U.S. citizen or another LPR family member, or through employment-based petitions for individuals with specific skills or professions beneficial to the U.S. Other avenues include humanitarian programs or diversity visa lotteries. While the status is "permanent," it can be revoked under specific circumstances, such as committing serious crimes or abandoning U.S. residency by staying outside the country for an extended period without proper authorization.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of a Lawful Permanent Resident:

• Example 1: Family-Based Sponsorship
  After marrying her U.S. citizen husband, Elena, a citizen of Brazil, applied for and received her LPR status. She now lives with her husband in Florida, works as a registered nurse, and has the freedom to travel internationally, knowing she can always return to her permanent home in the U.S. She plans to apply for U.S. citizenship once she meets the required residency period.

  Explanation: Elena's situation demonstrates how LPR status is often granted through family sponsorship, providing her with the right to live and work permanently in the U.S. and serving as a pathway to potential citizenship.

• Example 2: Employment-Based Immigration
  Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a leading expert in renewable energy technology from Japan, was recruited by a major research firm in California. The firm sponsored his application for LPR status, recognizing his exceptional skills and the benefit he would bring to the U.S. economy. As an LPR, Dr. Tanaka can now pursue his career indefinitely, purchase a home, and establish roots in the community without needing to renew temporary work visas.

  Explanation: This example illustrates LPR status being granted based on specialized employment and skills, allowing Dr. Tanaka to reside and work permanently in the U.S. with all associated rights and responsibilities.

• Example 3: Diversity Visa Program
  Fatima, originally from Ghana, was selected in the annual Diversity Visa Lottery, which aims to diversify the immigrant population in the U.S. Upon successfully completing the process, she was granted LPR status. Fatima subsequently moved to Texas, opened a small business, and enjoys the stability and opportunities that come with permanent residency, even though she cannot cast a ballot in U.S. elections.

  Explanation: Fatima's case shows another pathway to LPR status through the Diversity Visa program, highlighting the permanence of her residency and business opportunities, while also noting the limitation on voting rights.