Four Biggest Myths About Green Cards
Looking for A Specific Post? Search Below
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.
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.
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.
What Our Clients Say
5-Star Rating | Based on 200+ Satisfied Customer Google Reviews
Brittni Rivera and her team (Carina Lopez) are fantastic! They are responsive, efficient and beyond compassionate. Brittni Rivera and her team treated me with dignity and respect as they patiently answered all of my questions. They didn't move on without making sure I understood each step. Their work ethic was impressive. It felt like they were an extension of my personal team. I can't say enough to convey my gratitude…
I wanted to share my experience and say that attorney Britney Rivera is extremely competent in her work. I had heard from friends that she was a very strong lawyer, and she certainly proved to be one. She won our case in a very short time, and my family and I are incredibly grateful to her!🌹And a big thank you to her team as well!🌹🌹🌹
Huge thanks to Attorney Matthew for his incredible support on our immigration case! 🙏 He was professional, responsive, and his expertise led to a successful outcome. We truly appreciate his hard work and highly recommend his service.
I’m deeply grateful to God for leading us to this law firm; it is a true blessing to work with such professional and passionate individuals. Their dedication and commitment help make a difficult situation far less traumatic. In our case, we received 100% support from Attorney Andrea Ochoa and paralegal Rafael. May God bless them and allow them to continue this wonderful work. Thank you—a thousand thanks.
I give my total recommendation and trust in this great organization that has supported me and my family in very difficult times, especially the lawyer Andrea Ochoa and her paralegal Rafael who were little angels that God has sent us to be able to face all the obstacles that we have had along the way. Thank you very much with all my heart. ❤️
I have heard from several people that Brittni is a great attorney. When my friend was detained, I recommended Brittni to take his case. She did an amazing job putting together all the necessary information, especially given that we had only a couple of days to submit the habeas corpus application. She and her team worked very professionally and provided clear guidance throughout. She stayed in touch consistently and was…
Highly recommend Jennifer Peyton in federal litigations. She’s very polite and experienced.
I decided to use the services of Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and Kevin was nothing short of professional and amazing. From the consultation to the final approval, he gave us confidence and reassurance throughout the entire process. When I first told him about my wife’s wish to change her status, the first thing he said was, “We will get it done.” Even during the USCIS pause, he continued to…
Great service and attention. Felt safe and confident since the first meeting. Couldn't be happier with the results and services. I had the pleasure of working with attorney Andrea Ochoa and it was a great experience would absolutely reccomend her services
Our experience with the firm was extraordinary. We worked with attorney Andrea Ochoa. Since the very first meeting we met, Andrea gave us all the confidence to proceed with our case. She always answered our questions shortly and offered clear guidelines to proceed. When my son's case received a notice of intent to deny, she planned how to fight that decision effectively. We totally recommend everyone to trust their case…
Schedule A Consultation!
Libertyville
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing contact information, users acknowledge and give explicit consent to be contacted via the methods of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out.
NUVEW | Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Notice | privacy policy