For millions of people around the world, getting the Green Card is the ultimate symbol of success because with it comes incredible chances for one to completely transform their lives. It is a chance to become a citizen of the richest country in the land, which has also been christened as the Land of Opportunities. With the demands of the modern life becoming tough with each and every day, it is perfectly understandable why there is always a craze for the lottery and it is also easy to understand to why so many people would like to become beneficiaries.
However, all that glitters is not gold, and in as much as there are incredible benefits of being a Green Card holder, it is also important to look at the downsides of having one, and determine before application if it will be a good thing for you to have the card. For most people, it is always a dream come true, but for others, it might as well turn into a source of misery. Here is a brief look at some of the factors that may make you think twice about going for the cards:
When you are not ready to comply with the residency requirements
When you become a Green Card holder, you must maintain it by spending a considerable time in the United States to demonstrate that you are indeed a permanent resident of the country. If you have no intentions of making the United States your permanent residency, then you should not consider applying for the card, just in case you get it.
If you are not ready to comply with the residency requirements to be in the United States, you may be charged with abandonment and it is possible that you may lose that privilege to being a permanent resident of the United States. A simple way to help you gauge whether or not you are ready to comply with the permanent resident requirements in the United States is to simply think if you are willing to make the United States your permanent home. If this is not the case, then don’t waste your time applying for the card.
Suppose after getting the Green Card you will be planning to have long trips that might make you be charged with abandonment, there is special permit which you must apply for so that you can protect your permanent residency status. So, be sure to check all the requirements before you make the decision to go for the card, and sometimes it may be a good thing to consult an attorney to help you determine if the Green Card will be a great choice for you given the nature of your intended future engagements when you become a holder.
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You are not ready to comply with the tax responsibilities
There are a number of reasons why the US tax regime is usually seen as a great deterrent to foreign nationals who would like to apply for the Green Card. For immigration purposes, it is a must for Green Card holders to declare that they are permanent residents of the United States by the virtue of them being holders of the Green Card when the filing their tax returns and failure to do this may have a significant impact on whether you will continue being a holder of the card or if your status will be revoked. You should also note that Green Card holder will not enjoy any tax breaks or privileges and should you decide to declare your taxes as “non-resident,” you may put your application for citizenship in jeopardy if you choose to pursue some of the benefits a few down the line.
The other thing you must be ready for if you are going for the Green Card is the double taxation. This happens in the instances when you are required to pay taxes to the United States government, and since you are a citizen of your home country, you may also be required to pay taxes back at home. You are thus paying taxes to two different states when you are actually living in one. This may be very expensive, and if you feel it is something that won’t work well with you, then the best thing to do is simply forget about applying for the card.
You don’t want to lose certain benefits in your home country
If you become a Green Card holder, there are some benefits you may forfeit in your home country depending on the specific country you are from. For example, Australians can lose their compulsory responsibility to vote if they don’t go back after six years after registering as an overseas voter. Each country has their own set of laws to guide in such situations and it is imperative to check with your own country so that you know the specific benefits you may forfeit. If you are not ready to forfeit those benefits or a few of them, then the noble thing to do would be to avoid the Green Card and just stay contented in your home country.
When you are not ready to comply with the medical exam requirements
Getting the Green Card requires a series of medical tests and examinations to determine if you are healthy enough to go to the United States. Remember, the United States has some of the best healthcare systems in the world, and the would not wish to open their doors to sick foreigners who might end up putting more pressure on their systems. Therefore, if you don’t want to be a subject to a series of medical tests and examinations, or you have religious or moral reservations to getting some of the vaccines you will be required to get, then you may not be the perfect candidate for the Green Card lottery.
