COOK COUNTY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN
IMMIGRATION TIP SHEET FOR EMANCIPATING YOUTH
June 2012
Turning 21 as a Legal Permanent Resident:
Your green card status is valid for lifetime, even though the card must be renewed every 10
years. Make sure you keep your green card in a safe place and that you know the date it was
issued. However, a green card is a privilege and not a right. You may lose your green card
under certain circumstances.
There are many benefits to having a green card;
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You may live in any of the 50 states.
You can leave/enter the U.S. at will.
You can apply for government-sponsored financial aid for school.
You pay instate tuition at schools in your home state.
You may work and receive social security benefits when you retire.
However there are restrictions and obligations as well;
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You should not travel outside of the country for more than six months at a time.
You must obey all federal, state and local laws. If you commit any crime as a non
U.S. citizen you could face immigration consequences.
You must not lie about your immigration status to get immigration/public
benefits for yourself or others.
You must notify Unites States Citizenship and immigration Services office of a
change in address.
Naturalization
If you are aging out of the DCFS system with a green card there are a number of steps you must
take to become a US citizen. Naturalization is the manner in which a person not born in the US
voluntarily becomes a citizen. There are many benefits to becoming a US citizen; you can vote,
travel outside the country, collect many government benefits, and never be deported. You are
eligible to apply for citizenship once you have been a Legal Permanent Resident (have a green
card) for five years. Check your green card for the date you were granted permanent residency
to know when you can apply. In order to apply for citizenship you must fill out a form N-400.
You will have to get fingerprinted, take the citizenship test, and participate in an interview as
part of the application process. There are many pro bono organizations out there who can
answer any immigration questions you may have. They may even file your paperwork for you.
Please seek assistance from a reputable immigration attorney/pro bono organization in
completing your application.
Things to look out for:
Committing certain crimes may cause you to be ineligible for naturalization. In order to
become a US citizen, you must prove that you have “good moral character.” Some offences are
permanent bars to citizenship, others are temporary. The US government could decide to
deport you if you apply for citizenship once they learn of your criminal record. If you have
been arrested for ANYTHING since obtaining your green card please seek advice from an
immigration attorney before applying for citizenship.
Examples of things that may demonstrate a lack of good moral character:
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Lying
Any crime against a person with intent to harm
Any crime against property or government that involves fraud or “evil intent”
Two or more crimes for which the aggregate sentence was five years or more
Prostitution
Failing to pay court ordered child support
Failing to complete probation, parole
All applicants for citizenship must demonstrate an understanding of the English language,
including the ability to read, write, and speak simple words and phrases. You will also have to
have a basic knowledge or U.S. history and government.
Your eligibility for state and federal benefits
There are many different kinds of government benefits in the United States. Some benefit
programs are provided by the federal government, and some by states. In Illinois, a non-citizen
in need of assistance may be eligible for all of these benefit programs, depending on his or her
immigration status.
As a green card holder you are automatically eligible for public housing benefits, financial aid
for school and Medicare part A (hospitalization), and emergency Medicaid (including labor and
child birth). Additionally, in Illinois some programs are available without checking on your
immigration status. You can receive WIC, ALL KIDS health insurance, Head Start, and free
school lunches. You cannot apply for TANIF or SSI until you have been a Lawful Permanent
resident for five years. Check your green card for the date of issue to know when you are
eligible to apply for more benefits.
If you ever have questions about your immigration status don’t hesitate to call your attorney.
We are happy to assist and point you in the right direction.