Benefits of a Green Card during the crisis

Ever since its introduction, the US Green Card has been the most sought-after immigrant visa worldwide. But it is in times of crisis that the true value of a Permanent Resident Card is revealed.

Entering the USA with a Green Card

The Corona pandemic still has the world in its grip, and travel remains restricted. In 2020, the US government banned entry to the United States for all citizens of the Schengen Area, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Iran, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, and most recently, India.

As is often the case, however, Green Card holders could breathe a sigh of relief, as they were not affected by the Corona Travel Ban. Green Card applicants, whose activation trip to the USA is indispensable for obtaining an immigrant visa, were also finally allowed to re-enter the USA despite the Travel Ban.

Green Card holders have almost all the rights of a US citizen and thus belong to the group of people least affected by crises in the USA.

Green Card vs. US visa in times of crisis

Over 1 million Germans live and work in the USA - many of them with one of the numerous non-immigrant visas, such as the H1B visa for highly qualified employees or the L1 visa for transferred employees.

However, the stay of holders of a US work visa is always tied to the respective job. If they lose their job during the crisis, the visa also loses its validity and they must leave the United States immediately.

Green Card holders are much more flexible in this regard, as their residence status is not tied to an employer. Especially in times of crisis this is an unbeatable advantage! In the event of losing their job, permanent residents can reorient themselves without restrictions and look for crisis-proof employment. They do not need to fear having to leave the country.

Stimulus payments for Green Card holders

As part of the pandemic response, the US government decided to distribute $1,200 stimulus checks to US citizens as financial assistance to mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on the US economy.

These assistance payments were also disbursed to Green Card holders living in the USA. This is another reason to opt for a Green Card instead of work visas or investor visas in the United States.

If you are dreaming of an unlimited and carefree life in the USA, then it is best to enter the upcoming Green Card lottery. It only takes a few minutes to register, and your chances of winning a Green Card are very good.