Firearms and people who are U.S. citizens?..

I think a lawful permanent resident (AKA: holder of a "green card") can possess firearms. But I don't recall where I read that and I don't have a citation to any law or article from a respected source.
So keep looking until you confirm that; don't take my word on it just yet.
Also, legal immigrants with less than a green card may still be able to have a firearm for hunting, if they have a hunting license.

 

I was told you would have to produce a lease agreement or bring in 90 worth of gas/power/water bills with your address in order to purchase a gun. Something to prove you've put down roots.

 

From BATF's Frequently Asked Questions section:

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/nonimmigrant-aliens.html#leave-firearm-family

NOTE: Most of this stuff applies to "nonimmigrant" aliens. But Green Card holders or LPR's are "immigrants."
See Question #7 for green card holders.

 

Here's a cut-and-paste of Question 7:
**********************************************************************

Q: I have a “green card†and have lived in Texas for several years. Am I prohibited from purchasing firearms and ammunition from an FFL in Texas?

A: As long as you are not otherwise prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms and ammunition (for example, a felon), Federal law does not prohibit you from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition.
However, you will need to put your alien number or admission number on the ATF Form 4473 (5300.9)
and provide the FFL with documentation establishing you have resided in Texas for more than 90 consecutive days preceding the transaction.
Moreover, you must make sure there are no State or local restrictions on such a purchase.

***************************************************************

NOTE: The part I made bold above is the key part that applies to "possessing" guns that were NOT acquired from an FFL dealer.
Such as joint possession of a spouse's or room-mate's guns.

***************************************************************
If the person in question were not allowed to possess firearms under federal law, then you'd have a different issue.
You'd need to look up the legal definitions of "actual possession" versus "constructive possession" and think about whether the prohibited person has access to the guns coupled with the intent to exercise dominion and control over them.

 

Permanent residents generally have the same rights as far as owning firearms are concerned. Federal law does not make any realistic distinction between citizens and green card holders, and neither do most state laws (I can't think of any off the top of my head). There will be some forms where you will have to fill out your alien number (the 4473, the GWL applcation), but generally speaking there's no difference.

Non-immigrant aliens who are residents in Georgia have the same rights here as well, except they have a hunter's course requirement to meet the 18 USC 922 requirement. I'm assuming not all states will issue to non-immigrant aliens though.

 

They can buy a gun from a FFL and they can obtain a GWL.

 

I have sold firearms to several "permanent residents" including citizens of Canada, the U.K., Austria, and China. So yes as long as they have the permanent resident card they can purchase a firearm. They must present evidence that they have been a U.S. Resident for more than 90 days, so bring the green card and a bill, lease etc... establishing that. My experience has been that most non-U.S. citizens will be delayed when the background check is processed, however NICS usually calls back with a proceed within 24 hours, barring any legal/criminal issues.

 

My wife who at the time was a green card holder "permanent Resident", bought at least 2 firearms. One was a hunting rifle the other a 9mm pistol, she didn't even have to bring any proof of residency. I keep one of my guns in her vehicle at all times, but it is not concealed. Now that she has obtained her citizenship she is applying for her GWL

 

You don't have to be a citizen to obtain a GWL. I hope she didn't wait to apply just for that.

 

Non-permanent residents can also buy a firearm if they have proof of legal status and a hunting license.

 

I believe that PRAs can obtain NFA devices as well.