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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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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…
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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