Duration

• Generally, permanent residence status, informally known as holding a green card, is issued for 10 years. During that time, the card holder only needs to inform USCIS of changes of address, status and if he is leaving the country for more than a year. A conditional green card, on the other hand, is valid for only two years, limiting the time he has to move around inside the U.S. or travel abroad.
  
  

Renewal

• Renewing an unrestricted green card is simple. File form I-90, Application to Renew a Green Card, with USCIS over the Internet. You can apply for renewal even after the card expires. A conditional green card holder must apply for removal of conditions with form I-751 exactly 90 days prior to the expiration of the green card. Once the conditions are lifted, you can apply to renew with form I-90.
  
  

Travel

• The only people who are guaranteed entry into the U.S. are American citizens. Green card holders can be denied entry and that denial is at the immigration officer's discretion at the border. So, if you have a green card based on family hardship and travel outside the U.S. for leisure, you may be denied re-entry into the U.S. The officer may not believe you are taking your role seriously.
  
  

Not Helping Your Relative

• All foreign nationals are inside the U.S. as a privilege, not a right. If you apply for a green card based on family hardship and do not take measures to help your American family, than you put yourself at risk for deportation. USCIS may never find out that you are not helping your family, and there is no protocol to discover if you are, but if it does find out, you will be deported.