Permanent residence is not necessarily permanent. Here are 5 ways you can lose your green card and how to avoid the most common one.
Here are 5 ways to lose your green card and permanent resident status in the United States:
Living Outside of the US for Too Long
If you’re a green card holder who decides to live outside of the US for more than a year, an officer of Customs and Border Protection (or CBP) can trigger processes to revoke your green card and deport you.
Fortunately, there’s a simple solution. If you know that you’re going to be out of the country for an extended period of time, apply for a re-entry permit before departure. It’s valid for two years.
Voluntarily Surrendering Your Green Card
If you don’t want to pay U.S. taxes or just don’t want to be a permanent resident anymore, you can file a form I-407 to voluntarily surrender your green card.
Being Convicted of a Crime
If you’re caught selling or using drugs or committing some sort of felony, you can lose your green card and be deported.
Committing Fraud
Fraud or willful misrepresentation can lead to loss of your green card and deportation, too.
Failing to Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence
If your green card is conditional and valid for only two years – such as if your green card was based on a marriage that was less than two years old when you got it – you can lose it and be deported if you don’t file a petition to remove those conditions during the 90-day period immediately before your conditional residence expires.
About Me
This is Joseph Bovino, U.S. immigration and business attorney.
Want to talk through your situation? Book a consultation with me.
