Mistakes to Avoid if You Want to Keep Your Green Card!

Despite the name “permanent” residency, the U.S. government can actually revoke your green card if you make any the following mistakes.

1. You commit a serious crime. A serious crime isn’t necessarily kidnapping or murder. This could also include crimes like theft, perjury, unlawfully buying or carrying a firearm, domestic violence, and drug use. Although marijuana use is legal in several states, it is still illegal under federal law and thus, under immigration law.
   

2. Immigration fraud. For example, if you married a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident solely for the purposes of receiving immigration benefits, USCIS will revoke your green card. Also, if you lie and make a willful misrepresentation on any USCIS form or application, your green card could be revoked. Remember that you are not a citizen yet, so you should not engage in activities that only U.S. citizens have the right to do such as voting in elections or serving on a jury.
   

3. Abandonment. Although you’re allowed to travel freely in and out of the country with your green card, be careful that your stay outside the country does not exceed six months. This could cause the U.S. government to think that you have abandoned your permanent residency, and thus revoke your green card.

Getting your permanent resident card is a much-awaited step in an immigrant’s journey and it is something that people work hard, pay thousands of dollars, and wait several years for. Be responsible and act smart so that you do not have your green card revoked and ruin your chances of one day becoming a U.S. citizen.

June 10, 2024

Written by: Attorney Saimithra Reddy