Subject: Is there a good immigration book about GC holder

From: "Q.Zhu from NYU at Fermilab (708)840-8383" <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 6 Jan 94 09:43:50 CST

Hi, everybody:

	Since we all have one /or expecting one GC and we are all new
	to this status, it would be nice if someone knowledgeable 
	could point out a good immigration book about various things
	we have to pay attention to as a GC holder. The issues in my mind
	now are:
		o  Travel aborad for a long period. 
		o  Working on a foreign(outside US) assignment alone,
		   Working on a foreign assignment with a LAD.
		o  Work for a non-US company in U.S, outside U.S.  
		o  Income tax.
		o  Any rights/responsibilities we aren't commonly aware 
		   of.
	You may have other concerns also. 
	
	Of course, a discussion is equally welcome --- if no body
	is object to it, not viewing it as an abuse of the 'lad-net'

	In any case, I would be glad to receive your private mail and
	be willing to exchange information with you. 
	
	Happy New Year!

	Best regards,
	Q.Zhu

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From: J Su <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 6 Jan 94 11:19:29 CST

Check the book_Immigration and Nationality Law Handbook_ by American 
Immigration Lawyers Association, you may find the answer there.

> 		o  Work for a non-US company in U.S, outside U.S.  

You have to stay in U.S. more than half of the time of each year, otherwise 
any immigration officer would suspect that you had abandoned your status, and 
withhold your "card".  You may get a temporary replacement card, which 
allow you to work until the matter is resolved.  However, you may get the 
permission to work and remain outside U.S. and maintain your permanent 
residence status, but you have to pay the tax no matter where you earned 
your income.

> 		o  Any rights/responsibilities we aren't commonly aware 

Permanent residents get the same treatment under the federal income tax 
laws as citizens, and are responsible for filing yearly income returns.
see 26 CFR 1.871-1,2 and 26 CFR 301.7701(b)-1(b)(2),(3)

Jie

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From: "Q.Zhu from NYU at Fermilab (708)840-8383" <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 6 Jan 94 12:10:23 CST

>residence status, but you have to pay the tax no matter where you earned 

	I talked to a lawyer. I heard a different version with much
	relaxed restrictions. Basically an immigration officer wants to 
	determine if you have the attention to abandon/or have abandoned 
	your permanent resident status. Usually, if you come back to visit
	U.S. within one year, it's okay provided there are other evidences
	to show you are still in the status. But one visit within half year
	is recommended. There are other tricks/costs such as paying U.S. tax
	even you are not in U.S., showing your properties in U.S. to keep 
	your 'intention' clear: you want the immigration officer to think that
	you are still a U.S. permanent resident. If you want to leave U.S. 
	for more than one year, it is recommended to get advance permission
	from INS before you go. 

	However, if you want to become a U.S. citizen, you'd better not to
	leave U.S. for more than 6 months each time. Otherwise, the time counter
	towards the five year requirement will be reset( Actually I heard
	two versions: the other version says that this year won't be counted
	in the five year requirement, but you can still keep the other
	time accumulated. If you leave U.S. more tan 1 year, the time counted
	will be reset.) And the total time you stay in U.S. should be more 
	than 2.5 years for the five years.

	Does anyone know of any experiences of friends? It should reveal how
	immigration officers interpret the regulation. 

	Q.Zhu