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Four Biggest Myths About Green Cards
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Obtaining a green card is an exciting achievement. Being in possession of this document means that you are a legal permanent resident (LPR), and that there is much less fear of ICE knocking on your door or possibly even detaining you. However, many people think green cards provide much more protection than they actually do. Other individuals simply do not understand the rights they have when they do have a green card. To clear up these misconceptions, below are the four biggest myths about green cards and the truth behind them.
Green Card Holders Only Need to Travel to the U.S. Occasionally
Green card holders have the right to travel outside of the United States for up to six months. This has many people thinking that they only need to visit the United States twice a year and that they can still hold onto their green card. This is not necessarily true. Green cards are intended to help individuals who want to permanently and legally live in the United States. If you have a green card and only come to visit the United States for one or two weeks out of the year, you can expect Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to become suspicious and challenge your status when you try to return to the country.
The CBP can Seize Your Green Card at the Airport
Even if CBP does challenge your status at the airport, they cannot force you to surrender your green card. If you give them your card, you may end up in a detention center for several months. It can also mean completely abandoning your green card and the protection it provides. If a CBP officer challenges your status, you have the right to keep your green card and attend a hearing. If an officer asks for your card, tell him or her that you want to speak to an immigration attorney immediately.Â
Green Cards are Forever
Green cards do not provide you permanent legal status forever. They do have an expiration date of either two years or ten years, depending on the type for which you applied. Once you are approaching this expiration date, you can renew your green card. It is important to remember, though, that the naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen is a better option than continuing to renew your green card.Â
You Cannot Be Deported if You Have a Green Card
One of the reasons naturalization is a better option than renewing a green card is because green card holders can still be deported. United States citizens cannot. Many people think that because they are an LPR, they are protected from deportation. Green card holders who commit any crime, vote in an American election, fail to report a change of address, or commit other violations are at risk of being deported.
Still Need to Obtain Your Green Card? Call an Illinois Immigration Lawyer
If you need to obtain your green card, or you are at risk of losing yours, call our Chicago immigration lawyers today at Kriezelman, Burton & Associates today. We can help with any issues that have arisen with yours, or assist with the process of receiving one so you can enjoy permanent resident status. Call us today to schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys.
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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
A family friend referred me to work with Maya Flores at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC to help me with my U.S. naturalization. Despite the current immigration tension, Maya helped make the process smooth and her familiarity with procedure helped ease my anxiety. She submitted the citizenship application on my behalf and let me know what to expect. I decided to retain her service for the civics interview as well,…
I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
I am writing this review to express my deepest gratitude for the hard work on our case by our Immigration Attorney, Lauren McClure and her Paralegal, Kamila Lada. My Green Card was approved! I know this wouldn't have been possible without their expertise and dedication. They both were extremely helpful, responsive, and guided us through every step of the way. Lauren took the time to train us for our interview…
I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
I have worked with Kevin Raica for my VAWA application. Let me tell you he has been AMAZING. Unlike other lawyers Kevin has always went above and beyond for me. Kevin is not in it for the money he is in it to HELP people and make a difference. He has walked me through the entire process and always answers any questions I have no matter what. This law firm…
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