Can I Hold Onto My Daughter’s Green Card Until She Turns 18?

As a parent, you have a significant role in the life of your daughter. However, as she approaches adulthood, certain responsibilities and legal authorities shift, eventually disappearing unless she consents to your involvement.

A Permanent Resident Green Card is a critical document, not only for legal and immigration purposes but also for its cost and the time required to replace it. In some scenarios, it might be advisable to keep the green card for your daughter, such as when she is still a minor. Nevertheless, once she turns 18, she has the right to the document, and you should hand it over if she requests it.

The Balancing Act: Parental Authority and Trust

The decision to keep your daughter’s green card until she turns 18 often depends on the level of trust and maturity she has developed. Some daughters, like the one mentioned, may not trust their parents as much, whereas others may be willing to have their parents manage certain aspects of their life for a while. For instance, if your daughter is going to college in a new city, keeping her green card can ease the transition and allow her to focus more on her education and adjusting to this significant change in her life.

Logical as it may be to hold onto important documents like a birth certificate or social security card, the decision to keep your daughter’s green card until she is an adult involves weighing several factors, including:

Trust: Is your daughter confident in your parental guidance and judgment? Maturity: Is she capable of handling such a valuable and formal document on her own? Convenience: How much easier does it make things to have the card managed by you? Emotional Support: Does she need you to have her back during this transition?

When to Hand Over the Green Card

Once your daughter turns 18, you have an obligation to hand over her green card, as she is now legally responsible for it. If she has reached maturity and trusts you to manage it, you may be able to retain custody for a short period. However, if she asks for her card, you should comply.
This decision involves a careful balance of legal and emotional considerations. It's not just about the document itself but about fostering trust and responsibility in your relationship with your daughter.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to hold your daughter’s green card until she turns 18 should be made with careful consideration of your trust levels and her maturity. While there are valid reasons for keeping the card, the legal responsibility falls on her once she reaches the age of majority.