Despite popular belief, it’s possible for a person’s green card to be revoked. While revocation is rare, it can happen if you fail to meet the requirements of having a green card or get involved in certain criminal activities. This guide will cover the scenarios that could put your green card at risk and steps you can take to protect yourself.
Reasons for Revocation of U.S. Green Cards
U.S. Immigration laws allow for the re-evaluation or revocation of Green Cards if certain requirements are not met or criminal acts are committed. The most common causes for re-evaluation or revocation include failing to meet the residence requirement, being involved in certain types of criminal activity, or providing false information on your application. It’s important to be aware that any type of fraudulent activity can result in the loss of your Green Card.
When You Must Surrender Your Green Card
According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a Green Card must be surrendered if you are found to have committed fraud, falsified information on your application, or become involuntarily removed from the United States. Additionally, you may be required to surrender your Green Card if you’ve been convicted of certain criminal activities or done something that is detrimental to national security.
Consequences of Non-Surrendering a Green Card
You may face serious consequences if you fail to surrender your green card or delay removal proceedings. These could include fines, jail time or even deportation. After being issued a Notice to Appear, you must appear before an immigration judge and discuss the reasons why ICE is seeking your removal from the United States. After discussing your case and presenting evidence as to why you should not be removed, the judge will make a decision on whether or not you will be allowed to remain in the country.
How to Protect Yourself From Green Card Revocation
To protect yourself from having your green card revoked or re-evaluated, make sure you always comply with all immigration regulations. Attend any scheduled immigration hearings and adhere to any orders you receive from a judge or immigration officer. Being honest and forthcoming about your personal history is also important – don’t lie, hide information,or provide false documents as this could lead to being removed from the country. Finally, keep up to date on any immigration changes and seek the help of an immigration lawyer if in doubt about how to apply for citizenship or permanent residence.
Alternatives to Surrendering Your Green Card
If you are unable to return to the U.S., or do not wish to, there may be other options available. You may wish to look into deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) or voluntary departure and reapplication. DACA offers a temporary reprieve from deportation and allows individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children, time to gain legal status in the country before having to leave again. Voluntary departures permit individuals facing removal proceedings due to their immigration status or criminal history, a chance to voluntarily leave the country without waiting for a court decision on their residency eligibility.
