What rights do legal immigrants have in the US?

Question

I'm an F-1 visa immigrant. I want to know what limitations do I have compared to people who already have their green card. I want to know what kinds of acts are considered legal or illegal as long as I'm in the US. Could anyone answer my question or provide a website where i can get that information from? Thanks a bunch!!

To Kelly N:
Do you understand English and can read? I clearly stated that I AM an F1 visa holder. So I'm not here in the US illegally. Yes I do lots of shopping in the US and I always paid for what I bought. Who in the world is "Pepe"??! And yes, I walk on concrete cause I ain't Superman, buddy! So could you please shut your piehole and let other people with better answers than yours clear up my question?!

Answer 1

As long as you are in this country LEGALLY you are afforded the same rights as anyone else, Citizen or Permanent Resident, however if you violate our laws you could be subject to immediate deportation to your home country

Answer 2

As an F-1 holder you are only allowed to go to school in the US. You can't even work. You are a legal non-immigrant meaning you are in the country temporarily and you will leave after the duration of the visa expires.
If you are a legal immigrant (aka-legal permanent resident, green card holder) you have all the rights of a citizen except voting and some other political stuff like become a US president.

Answer 3

No, if you have an F-1 visa, you are a VISITOR, not an immigrant. INS has a clear distinctions between the two. You are granted a temporary stay in the US. You have not been authorized to immigrate to the country.

With a VISITOR VISA, you are not authorized to:
1) obtain employement
2) be out of status (such as quit school under F-1 (student) VISA and remain in the country)
3) vote
4) apply for and accept most form of social services

Please be aware that F-1 visa does NOT lead to a green card. You are authorized to stay in the US for the duration of the status (which means you stay in school and maintain good accademic standard, and even then there is a time limit) After that, you are expected to leave the country. In most cases, you must exit the country before you can re-enter with another status.

Once you become an immigrant but not a citizen (ie. green card), you will be authorized to accept employment EXCEPT for with government (such as postal offices). You still won't be authorized to vote.

Those are reserved rights for citizens - bona fide or naturalized. To become a citizen, one must hold a green card for a duration (I think it's 5 years), be screened, pass a test, and swear that you will become an upstanding citizen (basically).

Then, you have all the rights EXCEPT to become a President of the country. You can become a Vise President; however.

Answer 4

All HUMANS deserve certain rights. However, a government can only handle only so many people. As a nation may grow there may be need to initiate certain branches of government to cope with it's population. Our government depends on our support. When we dilute ourselves by allowing undocumented persons access and entry into our country the natural and naturalized enhabitants suffer. While ALL people have the right to life and the pursuit thereof, no nation can survive without the support of it's own people. America already has a heavy burden because of welfare. Too many people live to be on welfare which creates a heavy burden. To top it off, some of that burden works "under the table" and not only receives free aid but also benifits by bringing in an UNTAXED income and takes away available jobs from our citizens. THAT'S JUST NOT FAIR TO ME OR MY FAMILY. NOR YOU OR YOURS. It also lowers the wage base, something for which we ALL suffer. There is a proper channel for comming into the US. If it is abided by then the immigrants can benifit by our constitution. However, our own criminals loose many rights when convicted. Illegal is Illegal. Aside from the most basic of Human Rights, anyone breaking the law do not deserve more than the basics. Just because a person is inside US teritory does not give them the right, nor should such actions be condoned, to autonmatically be given them rights as an American. Governor Schwartzenegar (Calif) briefly concidered issuing drivers licenses to undocumeted workers (Illegal Immigrants) but the people of CA opposed that. In short, if someone wants in let them do it the right way. Many have before them, there's no reason they themselves can not do the same. Unless they are looking for a free handout.

Answer 5

F1 visa holders do not have the benefits as green card holders. Green card holders have almost every benefit that an U.S. citizen has. F1 student visa holders are granted the right to reside in the U.S. while studying. You cannot accept off campus work (unless you financial situation changes) and the F1 visa does not lead to citizenship. You have all the "private" rights of any other resident, such as: renting a house, etc.

Answer 6

Legal immigrants are considered citizens of this country and are thereby given the rights as any other citizens, besides becomg president.

Answer 7

A legal resident has the same rights as a citizen. The only difference being he/she can not vote OR be involved in politics i/e help somebody get elected.

Answer 8

please explain what an F-1 visa is, I dont remember the call #'s for all the visas. If you are a permanent resident then you have all the same rights as a citizen, but you cannot vote

Answer 9

maybe you should go back to where you came from...and not worry about being illeagal...or legal..which ur probally not,. just stay in your own country..Sure is nice to be here in america huh?? shop in our stores, walk on concrete? take jobs make our money to send back home lucky Spi c .....................Not too many dirt roads leading to your old shack here huh? with music from Pepe's off in the distance.

Answer 10

More than the citizens of the USA!!! And its disgusting!!