WORK TIME 9AM – 5PM
EMAIL US
CALL USlifting for you
Can You Lose Green Card Status?
Can you lose green card status? Immigration attorneys at Do Law Office provide insight in this comprehensive guide. Contact us today for a consultation.
Can Immigrants Lose Their Green Card Status?
Losing green card status is the fear of many immigrants. Becoming a lawful permanent resident of the United States, often known as a “green card holder,” is a major milestone. It represents the attainment of a secure and legal immigration status that permits them to reside and work in the U.S. without time constraints.
However, it’s crucial to grasp that keeping this status entails adhering to precise rules and regulations.
This guide delves into different situations where you might lose your permanent resident status. It examines the repercussions of such loss and explains the role of immigration attorneys like those at Do Law Office in guiding you through these complex matters.
How Can You Lose Your Permanent Resident Status?
Losing permanent resident status is a real possibility. If you don’t comply with immigration laws and regulations, you could find yourself in trouble. The following could lead to your loss of permanent resident status:
- Abandonment of continuous residence: It’s important to make the United States your main home. If you stay outside the United States for longer than a year or two years on a re-entry permit, you could lose your permanent residence status.
- Criminal activity: Certain crimes can lead to deportation and losing your green card. This is especially true for those seen as a threat to society. These are called “crimes of moral turpitude.” Examples include fraud, drug trafficking, and violent crimes.
- Misrepresentation: If you lied or hid things when applying for your green card, it could result in your green card being taken away. This includes making up a marriage or giving false information about your qualifications.
- Removal proceedings: If you end up in immigration court for immigration law violations, a judge could order your immediate deportation. In that case, you’ll lose your permanent resident status. Some things that could lead to deportation include voting or failing to inform the USCIS of your address change.
- Voluntary surrender: In certain situations, people may willingly give up their green cards by filing Form I-407. By using this form, you officially surrender your green card.
If you need help renewing a green card, a skilled immigration attorney could be of assistance.
What Happens if You Lose Permanent Resident Status?
Losing your permanent resident status can have serious consequences. Here’s what can happen if you find yourself in this situation:
- Deportation: If your green card status is revoked, you may face deportation proceedings. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents may detain you, and you may have to appear in immigration court to defend your case.
- Ineligibility to obtain immigration benefits: You may become ineligible for other immigration benefits. You may also be disqualified for other visa categories, which can significantly impact your ability to return to or stay in the United States legally.
- Loss of assets: If you have assets or investments in the United States, losing your green card status may result in their forfeiture or additional tax liabilities.
- Impact on family: There may be consequences for your family members who obtained their immigration status through your green card if you lose your permanent resident status.
Can You Avoid Losing Green Card Status?
Preventing the loss of your green card status requires diligence and compliance with immigration laws. To avoid such a predicament, you should ensure truthful documentation and be honest and accurate with USCIS and other government personnel. Misrepresentation can lead to severe consequences.
Consult an immigration attorney if you have concerns about maintaining your permanent resident status. At Do Law Office, we can provide guidance and assist you in understanding and remaining compliant with complex immigration laws.
How to Obtain Permanent Resident Status in the U.S.?
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), obtaining legal permanent resident status in the United States can be done in different ways. Therefore, the criteria required to maintain that status depend on which route one takes to reach it.
Common green card categories include:
- Family sponsorship: U.S. citizens and permanent residents can help certain family members obtain green cards. Immediate relatives, like spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens, have priority. Others may face longer waiting times.
- Employment-based immigration: People who have job offers can get green cards through employment-based categories. These categories are split into five groups. Top priority is given to those with exceptional abilities or advanced degrees.
- Asylum or refugee status: Individuals granted asylum or refugee status in the U.S. can apply for a green card one year after receiving this status.
- Diversity visa lottery: The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery offers a limited number of green cards every year to people from countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates.
- Investor visas: Investor visas like the EB-5 are available for people who invest in a new business that creates jobs for U.S. workers.
- Special immigrant categories: There are special green card options for specific groups. These could be for religious workers, international broadcasters, or U.S. Armed Forces members.
Every green card category comes with its unique qualifications and application steps. The waiting times and accessibility can greatly differ.
Additionally, immigration rules evolve over time. Seeking advice from USCIS or an immigration attorney is crucial. They can provide the latest information and guidance for the green card application process.
How Can Do Law Office Help You?
When faced with the possibility of losing your permanent resident status, you should act fast. Seeking the assistance of a qualified green card lawyer, such as those at the Do Law Office, can be invaluable. Here are the different ways in which we can help.
-
Legal guidance: As immigration attorneys, we have in-depth knowledge of immigration laws. We can assess your situation and provide accurate advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
-
Deportation defense: If you are facing deportation, we can represent you in immigration court. We can build a strong defense to help you keep your lawful permanent resident status.
-
Waivers and appeals: If you are facing the threat of inadmissibility to the U.S. or deportation, you may be eligible for waivers or appeals. Our immigration attorney can help you explore your options to defend your rights and immigration status.
Reach Out to Do Law Office Today
Achieving lawful permanent resident status, or obtaining a green card, is a significant milestone for many people in the U.S. Understanding potential pitfalls that could lead to its loss is crucial. We at Do Law Office know how important this is. We can guide you through the intricacies of keeping your status.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let us DO the heavy lifting for you!
Contact Us
4500 Satellite Blvd.
Suite 1160
Duluth, GA 30096
TO SPEAK WITH OUR OFFICE,
PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL US:
Email: info@dolawoffice.com
Tel: 678-224-8940
Fax: 678-224-8967
Get the legal advice, counsel, and representation you need