Could You Lose Your Green Card? 7 Shocking Ways Permanent Residency Can Be Taken Away

If you’ve got a Green Card, you’re probably feeling pretty secure in the U.S. After all, it’s your ticket to living, working, and traveling freely here. But here’s the thing: while a Green Card gives you a lot of freedom, it doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want without consequences. There are certain things that could actually cause you to lose your permanent residency status. Let’s take a look at the big ones, so you know what to watch out for.

1. Staying Out of the U.S. for Too Long

One of the easiest ways to mess up your Green Card status is by staying outside the U.S. for too long. If you’re away for more than six months, immigration might start to think you’ve abandoned your residency. If you’re gone for over a year, things get trickier, and you could lose your Green Card altogether.

• What you can do: If you know you’ll be out of the U.S. for a while, consider applying for a re-entry permit before you leave. This will show that you’re planning on coming back.

2. Committing Serious Crimes

It goes without saying: don’t commit crimes. If you’re convicted of a serious crime—things like drug trafficking, violent offenses, or fraud—you could get deported, and that’s the end of your Green Card.

• What you can do: Stay out of trouble. Avoid anything that could land you in legal hot water.

3. Failing to Follow Immigration Rules

It might seem small, but not following immigration rules can get you in trouble. This includes things like lying on your application, not updating your address with USCIS, or even failing to submit required forms.

• What you can do: Always keep your info updated with USCIS, and make sure you’re following the rules. It’s not hard, but it can make all the difference.

4. Relying Too Much on Public Assistance

Using things like welfare or food stamps isn’t necessarily a problem, but if you rely on them for too long, it might hurt your Green Card status. The U.S. government wants to see that you can support yourself, not that you’re depending on assistance.

• What you can do: Use public benefits if you need them, but try to be financially independent in the long run. It’s not about not using help—it’s about not depending on it forever.

5. Not Paying Your Taxes

Here’s something a lot of people overlook: As a Green Card holder, you’re required to file U.S. taxes, even if you’re not a U.S. citizen. If you fail to do this, it could cost you your permanent residency.

• What you can do: File your taxes every year. It’s not optional, and falling behind could cause serious problems.

6. Denial of U.S. Citizenship Application

If you apply for U.S. citizenship and get denied, it doesn’t automatically mean you lose your Green Card. But, if you get denied for something serious—like unpaid taxes or a criminal record—it could impact your Green Card status.

• What you can do: If you’re applying for citizenship, make sure everything’s in order first. Address any legal or financial issues before applying.

7. Forgetting to Renew Your Green Card

Green Cards aren’t permanent forever—they’re only valid for 10 years. So, if you forget to renew your Green Card when it expires, it might not be the end of the world, but it could cause headaches when you need to prove your status.

• What you can do: Set a reminder to renew your Green Card in advance. It’s an easy fix, but if you forget, it could cause delays.

How to Protect Your Green Card

Now that you know the risks, here’s what you can do to keep your Green Card safe:

• Stay in the U.S.: Don’t spend too much time outside the country. If you have to, apply for a re-entry permit.
• Avoid Legal Trouble: Keep a clean record and stay out of trouble.
• File Your Taxes: Always file your taxes on time and pay what you owe.
• Stay Financially Independent: Be careful about relying too much on public assistance.
• Renew Your Green Card: Don’t forget to renew your Green Card before it expires.

If you’re ever unsure about your status or have questions, it’s always a good idea to talk to an immigration attorney. They can help you navigate things and make sure your Green Card stays safe.