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Permanent residency, commonly known as obtaining a “Green Card,” allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. While federal laws govern the process of acquiring permanent residency, residents in Alabama must also be aware of state-specific procedures and considerations, such as access to state resources, applying for driver’s licenses, and compliance with local documentation requirements. Generally, people seek permanent residency through family sponsorship, employment, refugee or asylee status, or other specialized programs. Holding permanent resident status is an important step on the path toward becoming a U.S. citizen.
Seeking permanent residency involves many complex legal steps and strict deadlines. You may need a lawyer for several reasons:
While federal immigration law dictates the core permanent residency process, living as a permanent resident in Alabama comes with local factors to consider:
Understanding both federal and local requirements can make the process smoother and help avoid costly mistakes.
Permanent residency lets you live and work in the United States indefinitely. In Alabama, you can enjoy most rights and privileges of residents, such as applying for a job or a driver license, but you cannot vote in federal elections.
You must file appropriate forms with USCIS, usually starting with Form I-130 (family sponsorship) or Form I-140 (employment sponsorship), followed by Form I-485 for adjustment of status if you are in the U.S. You may also need to attend an interview at a local USCIS field office in Alabama.
Processing times vary based on category and personal circumstances. Family-sponsored and employment-based green cards typically take several months to several years. Delays can depend on USCIS caseload in the Alabama region and your individual situation.
Yes. Permanent residents can lose status if they commit certain crimes, stay outside the United States for extended periods without permission, or violate immigration laws.
Yes. You are authorized to work at any legal job in Alabama or elsewhere in the U.S. Some government positions may still require U.S. citizenship.
Yes. You may apply for an Alabama driver license or state ID card by providing proof of permanent resident status and meeting other requirements set by the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
As a permanent resident, you may petition certain family members to immigrate to the United States. Processing times for family-based petitions vary. If family members are already in Alabama, they may be eligible for adjustment of status depending on their circumstances.
Many public Alabama colleges offer in-state tuition to lawful permanent residents who meet state residency requirements. Policies may differ by institution, so you should verify with the specific college or university.
Yes. Green cards are typically valid for ten years and must be renewed before expiration. Conditional residents must apply to remove conditions before the card expires. USCIS handles renewals regardless of your state of residence.
You can contact local immigration attorneys, the Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service, or nonprofit legal aid organizations. USCIS offices in the region are also available for information and appointments.
If you are considering seeking permanent residency or have questions about your application in Alabama, you should:
Taking these steps and seeking professional legal advice can help protect your rights and improve your chances of successfully obtaining or keeping permanent residency in Alabama.
