June 17, 2022
When can my U.S green card be revoked?
The U.S green card comes with several privileges, among them being the right to legally live and work in the country. However, it is important to understand the privileges and limitations that come with being a green card holder.
If you are a foreign national with a U.S permanent residence visa, you need to appreciate that your right to stay in the country is conditional. For instance, you can lose your green card if you do not live up to the terms of your visa.
So what are your obligations as a U.S permanent resident?
The green card visa permits you to live and work legally in the United States. And while you can periodically travel outside the country, you will be required to maintain the U.S as your primary country of residence. During your stay, you will be required to fulfill the following responsibilities:
- Obey the laws of the United States (both federal as well as your state)
- Pay your taxes and file an income report with the Internal Revenue Service (the IRS)
- If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25 years old, register with the United States Selective Service System
Here are some of the reasons you can lose your permanent residency status:
Green card holders can lose their status as a result of a major criminal conviction
Not all criminal convictions can end in your immediate deportation from the country.
That said, a conviction for major criminal offenses like violent crimes, murder, domestic violence, fraud and drug and human trafficking may can lead to you being stripped of your green card. Generally, aggravated felonies can also result in a green card revocation.
A green card can be revoked if you abandon the United States
You can freely travel in and out of the U.S while on a green card visa. However, staying away from the country for too long can be problematic.
If you intend to be away from the U.S for more than six months, be sure to notify the government about this. If you have been away from the United states for more than 183 days, you must provide proof that your departure from American soil was temporary in nature.
Failure to notify the government or provide proof of a temporary absence can result in a revocation of your visa and right to re-enter the United States.
It’s important to keep in mind that if you are outside the United States, you are still required to file for taxes with the IRS. Failure to do so can also result in a revocation of your permanent residency rights.
Learn how to prevent an accidental removal of your green card status
As a permanent resident of the U.S, you have the privilege to live and work in the country for as long as you wish. Find out how you can safeguard your rights and privileges while on in the U.S as a green card visa holder