Is it possible to lose my Green Card status and be deported?

For the most part, 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 and immigration lawyers have seen this happen many times before.

This is no time for assumptions. This is no time for guess work. You need legal help. Go right here, to this digital tool, to make this happen. It is Immigration.USAttorneys.

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 sectors. In addition, they are not permitted to vote or take on jury duty. If an 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. It would be prudent to contact an immigration attorney 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 the agency 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. Make sure to keep a copy for your personal records.

Failure to get a Permanent Residence

According to immigration lawyers, LPR’s are required to acquire a permanent residence in the US and reside there. This is critical since 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. To alleviate any problems related to your residence you must follow some of these rules:

• 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 an active social life. You can join religious (become a Catholic for example), charitable, and social organizations. You must also have fantastic relationships with close family members residing in the US.
• It is essential 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 also do not want to be driving a dead man’s car like Alex Montel was doing in SWAT. This is why he was kept in prison. He was arrested for having a faulty tail light. He should have checked that before he drove off. He was careless. He does not have to be worried about getting deported though since he is wanted in America. Well, he actually will be deported after spending a few years in an American prison for things he did in America. Several European countries want to deal with him as well. They will get their turn.

Commit a Crime/Fraud

It is critical 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 receiving a DUI ticket or get arrested for the possession of a controlled substance. Committing fraudulent transactions can also lead to deportation.

If you need help with an immigration issues, be it work based or family based immigration, make sure to contact an immigration lawyer. The laws are complex and the best way to ensure that you adhere to the rules and regulations is with the assistance of a legal professional.  

Contact us if you have any concerns.