Due to the name, it is natural to assume that a person with permanent resident status can remain in the United States indefinitely. However, when individuals take certain actions, they could be at risk of losing their permanent resident status and even being deported. There are many ways a person could lose this coveted status, but a few of the most common are found below.
In most cases, if you live outside of the United States for more than 12 months, you will lose your permanent resident status. In some instances, even leaving for a shorter amount of time can trigger removal of your status. This happens when the customs officer upon your reentry determines you had intentions to relocate outside of the United States.
There are ways to leave the country, even for an extended period of time, without losing your status. For example, if you need to take care of a sick relative in your home country, you can obtain a reentry permit before leaving the United States. This typically grants you an absence of up to 24 months.
Many green card holders, and those striving to get one, cannot imagine why a person would ever voluntarily abandon their status. However, thousands of people do this every year in the United States. Most do it to avoid paying U.S. taxes, although this has severe long-term consequences.
In some instances, customs officers ask immigrants to sign Form I-407, which states that you wish to abandon your permanent resident status. They do this when challenging a person’s reentry. Anyone asked to sign this form at the border should refuse to do so and state that they would like to exercise their right to defend themselves in removal proceedings.
Anytime you are dishonest, commit fraud, or misrepresent the facts of your case in the immigration system, it has serious consequences. One of these is that you are at risk of losing your permanent resident status. One of the most common types of fraud committed in the immigration system is marriage fraud.
Some permanent residents have conditions on their stay in the United States. When these conditions are not removed by the time their two-year green cards have expired, they are at risk of deportation. Permanent residents must file a petition to remove the conditions 90 days before their green card expires.
If you have a green card and want to protect it, or you are still trying to obtain immigrant status, contact our Chicago immigration attorneys at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. We can help you through the complicated immigration system in the country and give you the best chance of success in obtaining the status you want. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys.
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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 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…
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…
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…
I just want to say huge thank you to Mr. Kevin A. Raica. for everything he has done for me throughout my immigration case. When I first came to Kevin, he explained the SIJS process clearly and walked me through the steps. We first needed to get the guardianship court order before moving forward with the I-360, and he connected me with a trusted attorney to help with that part.…
I cannot find the words to express my gratitude to Brittni Rivera! She literally saved my family. We had been waiting seven years for what she accomplished in just three weeks. I was impressed by how accessible the office is—they always answer calls very quickly. A special thank you to paralegal Nataliia Melnyk. You are my heroes. Thank you.
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