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To promote family unity, immigration law allows lawful permanent residents of the United States (also called LPRs or Green Card holders) to petition for certain eligible family members to obtain immigrant visas to come and live permanently in the United States or to adjust their status to LPRs if they are currently living in the United States.
USCIS issues Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) as evidence that you are authorized to be employed in the United States for a specific time period.
Naturalization is the process to voluntarily become a U.S. citizen if you were born outside of the United States. In general, you may be eligible if you can show continuous U.S. residence for three to five years, are at least 18 years old, and demonstrate good moral character and loyalty to the U.S. Constitution. You must also take the English and civics test, unless you qualify for an English language exemption or a medical disability exception.
If you were born outside of the United States, there are two general ways to obtain U.S. citizenship through U.S. citizen parents. You can acquire U.S. citizenship at birth or you can derive citizenship from your parents after your birth but before the age of 18.
It is important to keep your Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) up-to-date. Without a valid Green Card, it may be difficult for you to prove that you are a lawful permanent resident and could affect your ability to travel or to prove your authorization to live and work in the United States.