Obtaining your Green Card status in the United States is a significant accomplishment as an immigrant. Maintaining your status requires ongoing effort and attention. We will discuss the consequences of losing your permanent residence status, the causes of losing your green card, and the steps to avoid this situation and stay on the right track.

Causes of Losing Your Permanent Residence or Green Card

There are many reasons why an immigrant may lose their permanent residence status. Some of the most common causes include:

• Criminal convictions: A conviction may lead to the revocation of your Green Card status.
• Failure to comply with residency requirements: If a Green Card holder spends too much time outside the US, their permanent residence status may be revoked.
• Abandonment of the US as the primary residence: If a Green Card holder decides to make another country their primary residence, their permanent residence status may be revoked.

It’s important to note that even small violations of immigration laws can result in losing Green Card status. Even actions that may seem harmless such as a traffic violation can have serious consequences for an individual’s immigration status.

Consequences of Losing Your Permanent Residence Status

Losing your permanent residence status can lead to significant consequences, including:

• Inability to live or work in the US: Once you lose your permanent residence status, you may no longer be able to live or work in the US legally.
• Restrictions on international travel: If your permanent residence status is revoked, you may face significant restrictions on your international travel and may only be able to leave the US without risking being barred from re-entering.
• Risk of deportation: Losing your permanent residence status puts you at risk of deportation, which can be stressful and emotionally draining.

According to statistics from the US Department of Homeland Security, approximately 6000 removal orders were issued to Green Card holders in 2020. In order to avoid this situation, it’s important to stay aware of the rules and regulations surrounding your status.

Reapplying for Green Card After Revocation

If an immigrant’s Green Card has been revoked, reapplying for a new Green Card is possible. However, obtaining a new Green Card after revocation can be complex and challenging. Sometimes, waiting several years before reapplying for a new Green Card may be necessary.

Here are some steps that you can take:

• Assess your eligibility: Determine if you are still eligible to apply for a Green Card and are still admissible to the US.
• Determine the reason for revocation: Understand why your Green Card was revoked to help you prepare for the new application.
• Work with an immigration attorney: An experienced attorney can help guide you through the application process, gather the required documentation, and navigate any legal challenges you may encounter.
• Submit a new application: Once you have all the documents and have paid the required fees, you can submit a new application for a Green Card.

Additionally, it’s important to note that the USCIS may be hesitant to grant a new Green Card to someone who has had their Green Card revoked. It may be necessary to work with an experienced immigration attorney who can provide guidance and support throughout the application process to increase the chances of being approved for a new Green Card.

Ways to Maintain Your Permanent Residence Status

Staying informed about changes in immigration law is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain your permanent residence status. It includes keeping up-to-date with changes to policies and procedures and any updates to the requirements for renewing your Green Card.

Another important strategy is to consult with an immigration attorney before making any decisions that could affect your status, such as traveling outside of the US for an extended period or accepting a job offer from an employer outside the US.

It’s also important to keep track of your travel history to ensure that you stay within the time allowed outside of the US. For example, if you plan to travel outside the country for an extended period, you may need to apply for a reentry permit to maintain your Green Card status.

Resources for Immigrants

Many resources are available to immigrants looking to maintain their permanent residence status. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website is a great place to start, as it provides information on the rules and regulations surrounding Green Card status and the requirements for renewing your status.

In addition, many non-profit organizations and legal clinics assist immigrants. One example is the Immigration Advocates Network, which provides a directory of legal service providers throughout the US.

Securing Your Future

Maintaining your Green Card status is crucial for immigrants who want to live and work in the US. By staying informed about the rules and regulations surrounding your status, consulting with an immigration attorney when necessary, and keeping track of your travel history, you can avoid the consequences of losing your permanent residence status. If you have lost your Green Card, there may still be opportunities to reapply and obtain a new Green Card in the future. Still, it’s important to work with an experienced immigration attorney to navigate the application process. Remember, many resources are available to help you maintain your status as a permanent resident and navigate the US immigration system.

If you want to learn more about maintaining your Green Card status and the consequences of losing your permanent residence status, we recommend watching the full interview between Michael Levitis and Yakov Spektor on YouTube. In the interview, they discuss the importance of staying informed about changes in immigration law and offer practical advice on how to maintain your permanent residence status. By watching the full interview, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the topic and learn more about the resources available to immigrants looking to maintain their status.