Can I keep my passport from my country of origin when becoming a resident?

Upon becoming a permanent resident in the United States, you receive the Green Card, which authorizes your residence and employment in the country. However, your passport from your country of origin remains valid for identification and international travel, and it is advisable to keep it to prove citizenship and enable return to your native country.

Possession of the original passport does not affect your resident status in the US, as each document serves different purposes: the passport certifies foreign citizenship, and the Green Card validates legal authorization to live in the United States.

If you choose to naturalize as an American citizen, the passport from your country of origin may continue to be issued, according to the current legislation on dual citizenship. It is essential to follow immigration laws, seek reliable information, and consult specialized professionals to ensure legal compliance and avoid scams.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.