How to Avoid Abandoning Your Green Card

As a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States, holding a Green Card comes with certain rights and responsibilities, especially for those who travel abroad for extended periods. One of the most important responsibilities is maintaining your permanent resident status by avoiding the risk of abandoning it. Abandoning your Green Card status can have severe consequences, including being denied reentry to the United States.

Understanding Green Card Abandonment

Abandonment of a Green Card occurs when a U.S. permanent resident, or Green Card holder, is deemed to have relinquished their status due to an extended absence from the United States or other actions that indicate an intention to reside permanently in another country. It is essential for Green Card holders to understand the concept of abandonment and the factors that immigration authorities consider when determining whether a permanent resident has abandoned their status.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) evaluate various factors to determine whether a Green Card holder has abandoned their permanent resident status. To avoid Green Card abandonment, it is crucial to understand the factors that may lead to it. Factors that may be considered in determining abandonment include:

• Length of time spent outside the United States: Extended absences from the U.S., typically six months or longer, can raise suspicions of abandonment. The longer the absence, the higher the risk of being deemed to have abandoned your Green Card.
• Intent to reside permanently in another country: Establishing a permanent residence in another country or taking actions that indicate you no longer consider the U.S. your primary home can lead to abandonment.
• Failure to maintain ties to the United States: Severing financial, employment, and social ties to the U.S. can also contribute to the impression that you have abandoned your Green Card.
• Not filing U.S. tax returns: Failing to file U.S. tax returns as a resident, regardless of the amount of time spent outside the country, can be seen as an indication of abandonment.

It is important to note that there is no specific time limit that triggers Green Card abandonment, but absences of six months or longer can raise suspicion and may require additional evidence to prove that the Green Card holder did not abandon their status. In some cases, even shorter absences can be considered abandonment if other factors indicate a lack of intent to maintain U.S. residency. Understanding the concept of abandonment and being aware of potential red flags can help Green Card holders avoid unintentionally jeopardizing their status while traveling abroad.

Common Scenarios for Green Card Abandonment

There are various situations that may lead to the abandonment of a Green Card holder’s permanent resident status. It is important for permanent residents to be aware of these scenarios and take necessary precautions to avoid them. Some common scenarios for Green Card abandonment include:

• Extended Absence from the U.S.: An absence of six months or more from the United States may raise questions about a Green Card holder’s intention to maintain U.S. residency. Absences of one year or more can result in the automatic loss of permanent resident status unless a reentry permit was obtained before leaving the country.
• Relocation to Another Country: Establishing a primary residence in another country may indicate an intention to abandon U.S. residency. Factors such as purchasing a home, obtaining employment, or enrolling children in school in another country may be considered as evidence of relocation.
• Failure to File U.S. Income Tax Returns: Not filing U.S. income tax returns, or filing as a non-resident, may be seen as an indication that the Green Card holder does not intend to maintain U.S. residency.
• Surrendering the Green Card: Voluntarily surrendering the Green Card at a U.S. embassy, consulate, or USCIS office is a clear indication of abandoning permanent resident status.
• Criminal Convictions: Certain criminal convictions can lead to the loss of permanent resident status and may result in removal proceedings.
• Prolonged Employment Abroad: Accepting a long-term or indefinite job assignment outside the United States may be considered as evidence of abandonment.
• Failing to Maintain Ties to the United States: Lack of ongoing connections to the U.S., such as family ties, property ownership, bank accounts, or professional affiliations, may suggest an intent to abandon U.S. residency.

It is crucial for Green Card holders to be aware of these scenarios and to take necessary steps to maintain their permanent resident status, especially when planning to travel or reside outside the United States for an extended period.

Tips to Avoid Green Card Abandonment

To reduce the risk of abandoning your Green Card, consider the following tips that can help demonstrate your intent to maintain permanent residency in the United States:

1. Limit Your Absence from the U.S.: Whenever possible, try to limit your absences to less than six months. Longer absences may trigger scrutiny from immigration officials upon your return.
2. Obtain a Reentry Permit: If you know you’ll be outside the U.S. for more than one year, apply for a reentry permit before leaving. This document can help you maintain your permanent resident status during extended absences.
3. Maintain U.S. Ties: Keep strong connections to the United States, such as maintaining a U.S. mailing address, owning property, paying taxes, and having family, social, or professional ties.
4. File U.S. Income Tax Returns: Always file your U.S. income tax returns as a resident, even if you’re living abroad. Filing as a non-resident may raise questions about your intent to maintain permanent residency.
5. Keep Your Green Card Valid: Ensure your Green Card remains valid and unexpired. If it’s about to expire, apply for a renewal before leaving the U.S., if possible.
6. Apply for a Returning Resident Visa (SB-1): If you find yourself outside the U.S. for an extended period due to unforeseen circumstances and your Green Card has expired or you didn’t obtain a reentry permit, apply for a Returning Resident Visa (SB-1) at the nearest U.S. consulate.
7. Consider Applying for Citizenship: Once you are eligible, consider applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. As a U.S. citizen, you will not face the risk of losing your status due to extended absences from the United States.

By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of abandoning your permanent resident status and maintain your eligibility to live and work in the United States.

Apply for Returning Resident Visa (SB-1)

In some cases, permanent residents who have spent a significant amount of time outside the United States may need to apply for a Returning Resident Visa (SB-1) to regain their lawful permanent resident status. This visa category is specifically designed for Green Card holders who have lost their status due to a prolonged absence from the U.S.

Eligibility for SB-1 Visa:

To qualify for a Returning Resident Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You were a lawful permanent resident at the time of your departure from the United States.
2. You had the intention of returning to the U.S. when you left and continue to have that intention.
3. Your prolonged absence from the U.S. was due to circumstances beyond your control, such as a medical emergency, employment with a U.S. company abroad, or other unforeseen events.

SB-1 Visa Application Process:

To apply for an SB-1 visa, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Schedule an appointment with the U.S. consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
2. Complete Form DS-117, Application to Determine Returning Resident Status.
3. Gather supporting documents, such as proof of your lawful permanent resident status, evidence of your ties to the United States, and documentation explaining the reasons for your extended absence.
4. Attend your consular appointment and submit your application along with the required documents and fees.
5. If your application is approved, you will be issued an SB-1 visa, allowing you to return to the United States and regain your permanent resident status.

It’s important to note that obtaining an SB-1 visa can be challenging, and approval is not guaranteed. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you prepare a strong application and guide you through the process.

Apply for a Reentry Permit

A reentry permit is a valuable tool for lawful permanent residents who plan to spend an extended period outside of the United States. It helps to protect your Green Card status by demonstrating your intent to return and maintain your residency in the U.S., even during a lengthy absence.

Purpose of a Reentry Permit:

A reentry permit serves several purposes:

• It establishes that you do not intend to abandon your permanent resident status in the U.S.
• It allows you to reenter the United States after traveling abroad without needing a returning resident visa or other documentation.
• It can be used as a valid travel document, in lieu of a passport, when traveling to certain countries.

Application Process for a Reentry Permit:

To apply for a reentry permit, follow these steps:

1. File Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you depart the United States.
2. Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) at an Application Support Center in the U.S., if required.
3. Pay the required filing fees.
4. Await approval of your reentry permit from USCIS, which will typically be mailed to a U.S. address or, in some cases, can be picked up at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Validity of a Reentry Permit:

A reentry permit is generally valid for two years from the date of issuance. It cannot be extended or renewed, so if you need to continue your absence from the U.S. beyond the permit’s validity, you may need to apply for a new reentry permit or consider other options to avoid abandoning your Green Card status.

It’s essential to plan ahead and consider applying for a reentry permit if you know you will be spending a significant amount of time outside the U.S. An immigration attorney can provide guidance on the reentry permit application process and help you take the necessary steps to protect your Green Card status.

Re-establishing Residency After Abandonment

If you have inadvertently abandoned your Green Card or have had it deemed abandoned by the U.S. government, you may still have options to re-establish your residency in the United States. Here are some steps you can take to regain your lawful permanent resident status:

• Apply for a Returning Resident Visa (SB-1): If you can prove that your prolonged absence from the United States was due to circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible to apply for a Returning Resident Visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. You’ll need to provide evidence of your continued ties to the U.S. and show that you did not intend to abandon your residency.
• Apply for a new Green Card: If your Green Card has been considered abandoned, you may need to start the Green Card application process anew. This will likely involve filing a new petition, either through a family member (family-based Green Card or marriage Green Card), an employer, or another eligible category.
• Re-enter the U.S. with a re-entry permit: If you obtained a re-entry permit before leaving the United States and your absence was less than two years, you may use the re-entry permit to return to the U.S. and resume your permanent residency.
• Consult with an immigration lawyer: If you’re unsure about your options or need assistance navigating the process of re-establishing residency, it’s a good idea to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer. They can help you understand your situation, assess your eligibility, and guide you through the necessary steps to regain your lawful permanent resident status.

It’s important to note that re-establishing residency after Green Card abandonment can be a complex and time-consuming process. To avoid potential issues, make every effort to maintain your permanent resident status and follow the tips provided in the previous section to prevent unintentional abandonment of your Green Card.

How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the complexities of maintaining your Green Card status while spending time abroad can be challenging. An experienced immigration lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in helping you avoid abandoning your Green Card and ensuring that you take the necessary steps to protect your permanent resident status. Here’s how an immigration lawyer can help:

1. Assess Your Situation: An immigration lawyer can review your specific circumstances and advise you on the potential risks of abandonment based on your travel plans and the length of your absence from the U.S.
2. Develop a Strategy: An immigration lawyer can help you develop a tailored strategy to minimize the risk of abandonment, including advising on the appropriate documentation and actions to demonstrate your intent to maintain your U.S. residency.
3. Assist with Reentry Permit Applications: If it is determined that you should apply for a reentry permit, an immigration lawyer can guide you through the application process, help you complete the required forms, and ensure that you submit the necessary supporting documents.
4. Provide Guidance on Returning Resident Visas: If you have already been outside the U.S. for an extended period and are facing the risk of abandoning your Green Card, an immigration attorney can advise you on the process of applying for a returning resident visa and help you gather the required evidence to demonstrate your ties to the United States.
5. Represent You in Immigration Proceedings: In cases where your Green Card status is challenged, an immigration lawyer can provide legal representation in immigration proceedings, helping you present a strong case to maintain your permanent resident status.

Consulting with an immigration lawyer is a wise investment when it comes to protecting your Green Card status while traveling or living abroad. Their expertise and guidance can help you navigate the complexities of U.S. immigration law and ensure that you take the necessary precautions to avoid abandoning your Green Card status.

If you’re concerned about maintaining your Green Card status while traveling abroad or need guidance on any aspect of U.S. immigration, don’t hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable and experienced immigration lawyer in Atlanta, GA. At Glenn Immigration Law Firm, we understand the importance of preserving your right to live and work in the United States. Contact us today to schedule an immigration consultation and let us assist you in protecting your permanent resident status.

Green Card Abandonment FAQs

In this section, we will address some common questions related to Green Card abandonment and maintaining your lawful permanent residency status in the United States.

Disclaimer: The FAQs provided in this article are for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. Each individual’s situation is unique, and the answers to these FAQs may not apply to your specific circumstances. It is always recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance on your specific case.