Can My Green Card Be Taken Away?

As a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you’ve been granted the exclusive privilege to call the Land of the Free your home. This much-coveted status symbolized by a green card allows you to work, live, and dream on American soil. However, as all privileges come with responsibilities, this one’s no different. While enjoying the benefits of a green card, bear in mind that it is not an unequivocal guarantee; there are instances where it can be rescinded. As an inhabitant of the bustling city of Chicago, or anywhere else in the United States, understanding these scenarios is crucial. In this blog post, we explain the circumstances that can result in the loss of your green card and how a proficient attorney can help guide you through these pitfalls.

What Exactly is a Green Card?

A green card, synonymous with the Permanent Resident Card, is the tangible proof that the holder has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States without any time constraints. With a green card, you are a lawful permanent resident. This means you are afforded many of the rights that U.S. citizens enjoy, except for the right to vote. However, this status isn’t an absolute right; it’s contingent on several conditions and obligations. For instance, green card holders are expected to obey all laws of the U.S., file income tax returns, and support the democratic government.

However, this status is not beyond revocation. There are circumstances where your green card could be taken away. These are some common situations where that may happen:

• Engaging in Criminal Activity: Participating in unlawful activities, particularly serious offenses such as felonies, can lead to deportation and the subsequent loss of your green card.
• Abandonment of Permanent Residence: Extended durations spent outside of the United States might be construed as abandoning your permanent resident status. Generally, a year or more outside the country is often viewed as abandonment.
• Fraudulent Acquisition: If you obtained a green card through dishonest means like a sham marriage, it might lead to the revocation of your green card.
• Failure to Remove Conditions on Residence: Certain green cards are conditional, valid for a period of two years. Failing to apply for the removal of these conditions within the specified time might result in the termination of your status.

In the face of such serious implications like the revocation of your green card, having a seasoned immigration attorney can be your lifeline. They can advise you on your best options, represent you in court, and guide you to avoid common pitfalls that can jeopardize your case.

An attorney can illuminate the often murky waters of the legal process, right from understanding the nuances of non-immigrant visas, to delving deeper into specialized matters like family-based immigration, fiancé visas, and more. For a deeper understanding, feel free to explore our range of services at Ahlgren Law Office, LLC, to learn how we can assist you with your immigration concerns.

Should you find yourself in the grip of the law, remember that you are not alone. Navigating the legal corridors might seem daunting, but a reliable criminal defense lawyer is your ticket to ensuring a fair trial. With their legal acumen and experience, you can weather the storm and arrive at a resolution that works best for your unique situation. With their guidance, even the most formidable legal challenges become surmountable.