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Legal Immigrants and Gun Laws

busydude

busydude

Diamond Member
I am a legal immigrant living in IL. Six months ago.. I went to a shooting range in St. Louis to try out guns for the first time. Started off with a .22 (Rugers, I think.) and then graduated to .45 straightaway. I tried 2 pistols; Glock and 1911.

Of the 3 pistols I tried; I found Glock 21 fit my hand perfectly.. 1911 was not comfortable for reasons I cannot recall. .22 was good and extremely accurate, but felt weak.

At first I was neutral towards gun ownership, but after trying out those guns.. I just felt like owning one.

My question to ATOT is.. can legal immigrants own a gun in USA? I am not planning to buy one right away, but will someday after I graduate from college(can't say when). I don't know much about gun laws in my state or the country. I wish ATOT to shine some light on my situation. I am not worried about having a CCW.. I just want to know if I can own one in the first place.

Also.. I may visit a shooting range in the near future, I also welcome suggestions for any more guns that I should try out.
 
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Of course you can. And depending on state you can even get a CCW.

Just make sure you understand the laws in IL, that state is pretty fucked up regarding firearms.
 
Hell, you can get your CCW license in Texas if you are a legal immigrant. You just have to provide the proper papers:

Under federal law, aliens who have been admitted to the U.S. under a non-immigrant visa, usually are not qualified to purchase a handgun and therefore, do not qualify for a license. However, as long as you were not admitted under a non-immigrant visa and are a legal resident of Texas, you may qualify.
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http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/chl/chlfaqs.htm
 
busydude said:
Ahh, I am on a non-immigrant student visa.. that means there is no legal way to own a gun in the US.
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I would look at both your state and federal laws. Reason being is that in Texas, you are allowed to purchase a gun from a private seller, which doesn't require FBI background check, identification papers, etc.

I emphasize checking the state and federal laws because while it is legal in Texas to purchase a gun from a private seller, it may not be legal for you to possess said gun.

Edit: Some laws are funny. While it is not legal for you to purchase a gun at the age of 18, 19, 20 in Texas (this is for a person with legal resident status), it is legal for you to possess said gun. So effectively, you can have someone else buy a gun for you, or you can buy from a private seller.
 
SViper said:
I would look at both your state and federal laws. Reason being is that in Texas, you are allowed to purchase a gun from a private seller, which doesn't require FBI background check, identification papers, etc.

I emphasize checking the state and federal laws because while it is legal in Texas to purchase a gun from a private seller, it may not be legal for you to possess said gun.

Edit: Some laws are funny. While it is not legal for you to purchase a gun at the age of 18, 19, 20 in Texas (this is for a person with legal resident status), it is legal for you to possess said gun. So effectively, you can have someone else buy a gun for you, or you can buy from a private seller.
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This is the reason I created the thread. Gun laws are pretty complicated.. and I know there are many here who live in IL.
 
Texashiker said:
Any immigrant that likes a glock better then a 1911 needs to leave. Walk east until you hit water, then start swimming.
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you sure love to troll gun threads with your glock hate and 1911 love.


busydude said:
This is the reason I created the thread. Gun laws are pretty complicated.. and I know there are many here who live in IL.
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yes it seems you have to a resident alien(here is the FOID application)

You have to be able to get a FOID to have a gun
 
Zargon said:
yes it seems you have to a resident alien
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2011 was my 5th year living in IL. Does that make me a resident alien of IL?

I ask because I pass the substantial presence test.. and the IRS website states that I will be considered a Resident alien for tax purposes.
 
busydude said:
2011 was my 5th year living in IL. Does that make me a resident alien of IL?

I ask because I pass the substantial presence test.. and the IRS website states that I will be considered a Resident alien for tax purposes.
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Call migration office or your county sherrif office. I don't know your state but legal and working aliens have all the rights of citizens sans voting.
 
Yes, but you need a FOID card.

Illinois is the worst state in the nation for firearms owners after California.

Chicago/Cook County and NYC are the worst cities.
 
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