Green Card Info

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Can I as a Permanent Residents Vote?

 

 

Answer:

 

One of the most important privileges of democracy in the United States of America is

the right to participate in choosing elected officials through voting. As a Permanent

Resident you can only vote in local and state elections that do not require you to be

a U.S. citizen.

 

It is very important that you do not vote in national, state or local elections that require a voter to be a U.S. citizen when you are not a U.S. citizen. There are criminal penalties for voting when you are not a U.S. citizen and it is a requirement for voting. You can be removed (deported) from the U.S. if you vote in elections limited to U.S. citizens.

 

Becoming a permanent resident of the United States is a wonderful thing, however,

all Legal Permanent Residents should remember that they must maintain their status at
all times. Your status in the United States is not guaranteed and certain actions may
cause you to lose your green card status or be deported from the United States.

 

Do Not Vote Unless You Are a U.S. Citizen

 

When applicants obtain green cards in the U.S., this entitles them to apply for a driver’s license. In  many states, when individuals apply for driver’s licenses, they are asked if they would like to register to vote.

 

Many immigrants understandably assume at this point that they are entitled to vote because voter registration has been offered to them. They register to vote and, in some cases, actually vote in national and local elections.

 

When these individuals apply for citizenship at a later date, they are asked if they have ever registered to vote or voted in an election. Since only citizens are allowed to vote in the U.S., voting or even registering to vote may be grounds for denial of an application for citizenship and revocation of a green card. When a green card is revoked, the individual may be placed in deportation proceedings.

 

If you have any questions regarding permanent residency or any other immigration

topic, please contact LEGiTiGO, today