The permanent resident card, commonly known as a green card, gives immigrants the legal right to live and work in the United States indefinitely.
However, this status is not absolute: there are several legal and administrative situations in which a resident can lose his or her green card, even after years in the country. Here we answer the question: can they take away my green card?
Abandonment of resident status
One of the most common reasons is the abandonment of permanent resident status.
This occurs when the person spends long periods outside the U.S. without demonstrating that he or she maintains the intention to live in the country.
Stays outside the country for more than 6 months may raise suspicions.
If the absence exceeds one year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may consider the resident to have voluntarily relinquished his or her status, unless he or she has applied for an early reentry permit.
Criminal convictions and felonies
Certain offenses can lead to removal or deportation proceedings, even for permanent residents. These include:
Serious crimes such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, drug or weapons trafficking.
Immigration fraud, how to lie on an immigration application.
Participation in criminal activities or terrorism.
A criminal conviction does not always result in the automatic loss of residency, but may initiate legal proceedings before an immigration judge.
Fraud or error in obtaining
If the authorities discover that a person obtained a green card by fraudulent means, such as through a sham marriage, falsification of documents or misrepresentation, they may revoke the green card.
It also applies if USCIS determines that there was a clerical error in granting it.
Failure to comply with renewal requirements
The green card is valid for 10 years (or 2 years if it is conditional, as in cases of recent marriage).
If the resident does not renew it on time, he or she may face problems proving his or her status.
In the case of conditional cards, failure to file a petition to remove conditions may lead to loss of status.
Tips to avoid losing your green card
Maintain your primary residence in the U.S.
File taxes as a resident.
Avoid prolonged absences or request a leave of absence.
Do not commit crimes or immigration violations.
Update your address with USCIS.
This article was originally published in Nueva News.
Filed under: Can they take away my green card?
