Can I lose my green card and be deported?

The answer is yes; if you lose your green card you will lose the right to live and work in the US and might even be deported. The bearer of a green card is entitled to several rights and privileges although these rights and privileges are based on certain conditions. If you have failed to abide by those conditions, the government has the right to cancel your green card privileges and in extreme cases even deport you to your country of origin despite your immigration lawyer’s best intentions.

Actions that make You Deportable

Voting during an election when you do not have the right: Green card holders are known as LPRs or lawful permanent residents. They do not enjoy the same rights as US citizens. For instance, unlike US citizens LPRs cannot hold sensitive government jobs or work in the law enforcement sector. In addition, they are not permitted to vote or take on jury duty. If a LPR has committed fraud by presenting himself as a citizen and has voted, then his or her green card is likely to be cancelled.

If you are a LPR, you must be very careful while renewing your driver’s license. The Motor Voter Act allows people to register to vote while renewing their licenses. The officials at the renewal office cannot often distinguish between a LPR and USC and may ask you to enter your name to the voter registry. Contact an immigration attorney (http://immigration.usattorneys.com/) immediately if this has happened.

Failure to Notify Address Change

Any change of address must be immediately reported to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Usually you must notify within 10 days. You can download the AR-11 form from the USCIS website and then file it with the Department of Homeland Security. You can submit the form online as well. Please keep a copy for your personal records.

Failure to get a Permanent Residence

LPR’s are required to acquire a permanent residence in the US and reside there and their immigration lawyer will work with them on this. This is vital as you might be asked to prove that you have a residence at some point. This happens usually when you have applied for US citizenship or when you are trying to enter the US after a long absence-usually more than six months from the US. To alleviate any problems related to your residence you must follow some of these rules.

• You must pay your taxes and keep updated records.
• You can get a long term lease on a property or actually buy a house.
• You must work somewhere, hold a bank account, and have some investments in the United States. 
• You must also procure a driver's license.
• Have decent social life (do not start posting strange pictures on your social media profiles for instance). You can join religious (if you are Catholic or Christian already, that is fine), charitable (Knights of Columbus, Loaves and Fishes, and so on), and social organizations. You must also have stellar relationships with near family members residing in the US.
• It is important to acquire a re-entry permit if you plan to be outside the US for six months. Without a permit you must not leave the country for more than 6 months. You probably do not want to leave the country though after waiting for so long to enter it.

Commit a Crime/Fraud

Immigration lawyers reiterate that it is important to refrain from committing any illegal act while you are a green card holder. You must never be charged with any type of felony including DUIs or get arrested for possession of a controlled substance (you are not a Hollywood celebrity!). Getting involved in fraudulent transactions can also lead to deportation.