The USCIS regulates and oversees immigration matters in the United States, including issuing and maintaining green cards. While a green card means lawful permanent residency and the right to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, it can be revoked.
Understanding the grounds upon which a green card can be revoked is important to better ensure compliance with immigration laws and maintain lawful permanent residency status in the United States.
1. Abandonment of permanent residence
If you are a green card holder and decide to live outside the United States for a long period without obtaining a reentry permit or without demonstrating intent to maintain permanent residence, your green card could be at risk of being revoked. The U.S. government expects green card holders to make the United States their primary place of residence, and failure to do so without proper authorization may be considered as abandoning lawful permanent residency status.
2. Fraudulent activities
Getting caught up in fraudulent activities related to obtaining or maintaining a green card can lead to its revocation. This includes providing falsified information or documents during the application process, such as misrepresenting employment history or marital status. Additionally, engaging in marriages of convenience solely to obtain immigration benefits is considered fraudulent and can result in the revocation of your status.
3. Criminal convictions
If you are convicted of certain crimes, your green card could be subject to revocation. These crimes typically include serious offenses such as drug trafficking, domestic violence or crimes involving moral turpitude. Even a single conviction for such offenses can trigger immigration consequences, potentially leading to the loss of lawful permanent residency status and removal from the United States.
4. Violation of immigration laws
Green card holders must adhere to all immigration laws and regulations while residing in the United States. Violating these laws, such as working without proper authorization, failing to maintain continuous residence or committing immigration fraud, can lead to the revocation of a green card.
If you are at risk of losing your permanent residency status or facing revocation of your green card, it’s essential to seek legal guidance.