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https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/living-permanently-us-green-card-or-lpr-lawful-permanent-resident
Date: 09/16/2025

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  3. Living permanently in the US (green card or LPR - Lawful Permanent Resident)

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Immigrants & Immigration

immigration_legal_permanent_resident_green_card.jpg
Living permanently in the US (green card or LPR - Lawful Permanent Resident)
Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) are immigrants who are allowed by the government to permanently live and work in the United States. Learn more here.
Getting married in the US if I am an undocumented immigrant
Learn about obtaining a marriage license and getting married as an undocumented person to a US citizen.
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A child turns 21 before receiving their green card
Discusses if your child is still eligible for a green card once they turn 21 depending on their immigration status.
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Good moral character and naturalization
Learn more about activities that count and do not count as evidence of good moral character in immigration.
FAQ
How does being charged with a crime affect immigration?
Explains being charged with a crime, found guilty of a crime, and juvenile offenses' influence on an immigration case.
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Green card: supporting document checklist
Find out which supporting documents you need to file for a green card based on employment or a family relationship with a U.S. citizen.
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Green card: deportation and inadmissibility
Learn the main reasons non-citizens may be ineligible for a green card, including health issues, crimes, security risks, fraud, illegal entry, or deportation history.
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Should I clear my criminal record for immigration purposes?
Explains how hiding or erasing your criminal or juvenile record might affect your immigration status.
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Deportation and removal basics
Deportation is when the government forces someone to leave the U.S. Learn who can be deported, what can make someone inadmissible, and possible legal options.
Guide
Help, I lost my green card! Now what?
Information about replacing your green card.
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Applying for a waiver of inadmissibility
Steps to consider a waiver of inadmissibility if your background check is not approved by Immigration.
How-To
Starting the green card application process
Qualifications, how to apply, and the timeline of the application process for a green card.
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Permanent resident vs US citizen
Explains the differences between permanent residents and US citizens.
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Food stamps or SNAP benefits for immigrants
Learn about qualifying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or food stamps as an immigrant.
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VAWA Cancellation of Removal
Violence Against Women Act ("VAWA") cancellation of removal is for abused immigrants who are in removal proceedings. This will cancel the removal or deportation of an applicant and grant the applicant lawful permanent residence.
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Getting a green card for a family member
Information on green cards for family members, who can qualify, preference categories and which forms to file.
Guide
Notifying immigration about a change of address
Steps to notify immigration from the necessary forms to where you should send the forms.
How-To
Can I stay in the US if I divorce my sponsoring spouse?
Explains issues that can arise when a person divorces their spouse who has sponsored them for immigration to the US.
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Filing immigration fee waiver
Steps to file your fee waiver, including links to the required forms and information about the necessary supporting documents.
How-To
Immigration fraud and notaries
Discusses Notarios who are not qualified to give legal advice and who can give immigration legal help.
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Filing documents with immigration for free
Explains how to pay fees and ask for a fee waiver when filing cases with USCIS, which forms qualify, and how to request a waiver.
Guide

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ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.

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© 2025 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.
 
ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.