The reunion of families is a cornerstone of U.S. immigration. For many U.S. citizens, the greatest joy is bringing their parents to live permanently in the United States. If your parents have recently arrived as Lawful Permanent Residents through the U.S. Parents Immigration Program, congratulations on reaching this significant milestone! Your parents now hold a U.S. Green Card, granting them the right to live, work, and build a fulfilling life in their new home.

At LforLaw, we are here to assist both the sponsoring U.S. citizen child and their newly arrived parents. We’ll outline the immediate steps to take, discuss key responsibilities for immigrant parents in the USA, provide essential tips for maintaining permanent residency, and offer a clear roadmap towards U.S. citizenship for parents. We’ll also cover vital resources to help them integrate successfully and thrive.

Immediate Steps for New Parent Green Card Holders

Upon their arrival in the U.S. (or after their Adjustment of Status approval), here’s what should be prioritized:

1. Receive the Physical Green Card: The Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) will be mailed to the U.S. address provided during the immigration process. This card is critical proof of their permanent resident status. Ensure it is stored securely.
2. Verify I-94 Record: If parents entered with an immigrant visa, it’s wise to verify their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record online to ensure accurate admission as Lawful Permanent Residents.
3. Social Security Number (SSN): If they don’t already have one, apply for an SSN. This is essential for banking, healthcare, and any potential future employment or benefits.
4. Obtain State ID/Driver’s License: This will serve as a primary form of identification for daily life. Even if they don’t plan to drive, a state ID is invaluable.
5. Alien Registration Requirement (Important for 2025):
   • As of January 20, 2025, a new Executive Order reinforces the requirement for aliens aged 14 or older (or turning 14 soon) who were not fingerprinted during their U.S. visa application process and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, to apply for registration and fingerprinting.
   • This typically involves submitting Form G-325R (Alien Registration Form) and attending a biometrics appointment.
   • Parents of U.S. citizens often are fingerprinted as part of their Green Card process, but it’s crucial to confirm if this additional registration step applies to them. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties. Consult the USCIS website or an attorney for the latest details.
6. Update Address with USCIS: All Green Card holders must inform USCIS of any change of address within 10 days by filing Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card.

Responsibilities & Keys to Successful Integration

Becoming a permanent resident comes with specific duties. Helping your parents understand these is vital for their long-term success.

1. Financial Planning & Understanding Public Charge:

   • Sponsor’s Responsibility (Affidavit of Support): As the sponsoring U.S. citizen, you signed an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), legally committing to financially support your parents. This obligation typically lasts until your parents become U.S. citizens or have worked 40 quarters (approximately 10 years) of employment that can be credited for Social Security purposes, or leave the U.S. permanently.
   • Public Charge Rule (Ongoing Consideration): While the public charge rule has seen changes, the underlying principle remains: immigrants should not primarily rely on public benefits. Advise your parents about benefits that are generally safe to use (e.g., emergency medical care, certain non-cash benefits like food assistance) versus those that could potentially raise public charge concerns in very limited, specific future immigration applications (though this is less likely for immediate relatives who already have Green Cards).
   • Healthcare: Help your parents navigate the complex U.S. healthcare system. Explore options like Medicare (if they meet the residency and work history requirements, or after five years of Green Card status), Medicaid (if eligible based on income/state), or private insurance. Ensure they have access to necessary medical care and medications.

2. Understanding U.S. Laws & Civic Duties:

   • Obey All Laws: Emphasize the importance of adhering to all U.S. laws – federal, state, and local. Even minor infractions can have unexpected immigration consequences.
   • Tax Compliance: As Green Card holders, your parents are U.S. tax residents and must file federal income tax returns annually, reporting all worldwide income. Consult a tax professional if needed.
   • Selective Service (for Males 18-25): If your parent is a male between 18 and 25 years old, he is required to register with the Selective Service System.

3. Cultural Adaptation & Social Well-being:

   • Language Learning: Encourage English language learning through community classes, local libraries, or online resources. Even basic English can significantly enhance their independence and integration.
   • Community Engagement: Help them connect with local community centers, senior groups, cultural organizations, or religious institutions that align with their interests. Isolation can be a challenge for new immigrants.
   • Transportation: Assist them in understanding local transportation options (public transport, ride-sharing, or safe driving if applicable).

4. Maintaining Foreign Ties (Carefully):

   • While family reunification is the goal, parents may have strong ties and responsibilities in their home country. Discuss plans for visits and how to manage their time between the U.S. and abroad, keeping Green Card residency requirements in mind.

Maintaining Permanent Resident Status

The Green Card provides permanent status, but it requires adherence to certain rules to avoid abandonment or issues.

1. Do Not Abandon Residency: The U.S. expects Green Card holders to make the U.S. their primary home. Extended absences from the U.S. (generally, over 6 months at a time, and especially over a year) can lead to a presumption of abandoning residency.
   • Re-entry Permit: If your parents anticipate being outside the U.S. for an extended period (1-2 years) due to family needs or other legitimate reasons, apply for a Re-entry Permit (Form I-131) before they leave the U.S. This document proves their intent to return and helps prevent issues upon re-entry.
2. Renew the Green Card: While permanent, the physical Green Card expires every 10 years. It is crucial to file Form I-90 to renew it before its expiration date. Filing late can complicate travel and proof of status.

The Ultimate Goal: U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization)

For many parents, the ultimate goal is to become a U.S. citizen. This provides full civic rights, including voting, full U.S. passport privileges, and protection from future changes in immigration law.

1. Meet Residency Requirements:
   • Generally, parents must be Lawful Permanent Residents for at least 5 years before applying for naturalization.
   • They must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of that 5-year period (30 months).
   • They must demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S.
   • Important Note: Unlike spouses of U.S. citizens, parents of U.S. citizens still typically need to meet the 5-year residency requirement for naturalization.

2. Demonstrate Good Moral Character:

   • This involves having a clean criminal record, paying taxes, being truthful in all government dealings, and generally adhering to U.S. laws.

3. Pass English and Civics Tests (Waiver Options for Seniors):

   • Applicants must typically demonstrate basic English proficiency (reading, writing, speaking) and knowledge of U.S. history and government.
   • Waiver based on age and residency:
     • “50/20 Rule”: If a parent is 50 years old or older AND has lived as a Green Card holder in the U.S. for at least 20 years, they are exempt from the English test. They still must take the civics test in their native language (with an interpreter if needed).
     • “55/15 Rule”: If a parent is 55 years old or older AND has lived as a Green Card holder in the U.S. for at least 15 years, they are exempt from the English test. They still must take the civics test in their native language (with an interpreter if needed).
     • Medical Disability Waiver: If a parent has a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents them from demonstrating English or civics knowledge, they may be eligible for a medical waiver (Form N-648), regardless of age or residency.

4. File Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

5. Attend Biometrics and Interview.

6. Take the Oath of Allegiance.

Bringing your parents to the U.S. is a profound act of love and family reunification. By understanding their rights and responsibilities as new Green Card holders, and by actively supporting their integration and eventual path to citizenship, you can help them build a secure, comfortable, and dignified life in the United States.

The journey of immigrant parents, especially seniors, can have unique challenges. The experienced immigration attorneys at LforLaw are dedicated to guiding families through every stage of their immigration process, from initial Green Card responsibilities to navigating naturalization with special considerations for age and health. Contact us today for personalized advice and compassionate legal support.