- Mistakes that can get your U.S. Green Card taken away
- …Establishing permanent residency in another country
- …Failing to file U.S. taxes
A U.S. Green Card unlocks a wealth of opportunities and benefits for immigrants, serving as a pathway to American citizenship. However, maintaining this coveted status demands diligence and awareness of potential pitfalls that could jeopardize one’s residency.
Eko Hot Blog reports that while criminal offenses can indeed put Card holders at risk, even seemingly minor missteps can result in the revocation of this privilege and possibly lead to deportation.
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Here are five critical mistakes that every Green Card holder must steer clear of to safeguard their status:
1. Establishing Permanent Residency in Another Country
U.S. Green Card holders must prioritize maintaining their primary residence in the United States to preserve their permanent resident status. Actions that suggest an intent to settle in another country can jeopardize a Card, potentially leading to its revocation.
A prime example is applying for permanent residency in another country, like Canada. Pursuing this route while holding a U.S. Green Card may raise red flags to U.S. authorities, indicating the individual no longer wishes to uphold their U.S. residency. Consequently, their Card could be canceled.
2. Staying Outside the U.S. for Too Long Without Proper Documentation
Prolonged travel outside the United States can pose a threat to Card holders if not properly authorized. Extended absence may suggest an intent to relocate permanently outside the country, potentially leading to the loss of one’s Green Card due to perceived abandonment.
To maintain permanent resident status during extended travel, Card holders planning to stay abroad for more than a year must apply for a reentry permit prior to departure. This essential document preserves their Card status during temporary residence overseas and is crucial for avoiding misinterpretations of intent.
3. Failing to File U.S. Taxes
Green Card holders must navigate a complex landscape of tax obligations, as they are required to report their worldwide income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and file U.S. tax returns, irrespective of where they earn their income.
Neglecting to file taxes or settle owed taxes can result in severe legal repercussions, potentially endangering one’s Green Card.
Tax-related issues can escalate into immigration enforcement actions, ranging from Card revocation to deportation.
The importance of adherence to U.S. tax laws cannot be overstated, as it serves as a critical factor in preserving the hard-earned permanent resident status.
4. Incorrectly Claiming Nonresident Status on Tax Returns
Card holders must exercise utmost caution when filing U.S. taxes, particularly regarding their declared residency status. Inadvertently or deliberately claiming nonresident status on tax forms can create ambiguity around one’s intent to maintain permanent residency in the United States.
This inconsistency may attract scrutiny from immigration authorities, possibly culminating in the loss of the Green Card. To mitigate such risks, Card holders should file taxes as U.S. residents and seek guidance from tax professionals if uncertain about their filing status.
5. Failing to Register for Selective Service (For Eligible Males)
Male Green Card holders between 18 and 25 years old must register with the Selective Service System, a database used for potential military conscription during national emergencies. Failing to register within this age range can significantly impact one’s immigration status, even resulting in the loss of a Green Card.
Completing the registration process is straightforward, and neglecting this duty can create unnecessary risks to one’s immigration status.
Eligible Green Card holders should prioritize fulfilling this obligation in a timely manner to avoid potential complications and protect their permanent residency in the United States.
Several other factors can lead to the loss of a Green Card, emphasizing the need for vigilance among permanent residents. If it is found that a Green Card was acquired through fraudulent means or misrepresentation, such as providing false information during the application process, the card can be revoked.
Moreover, a deportation order issued by an immigration judge for any reason will result in the cancellation of the Green Card as part of the removal proceedings.
To avoid such consequences, Card holders must be transparent in their interactions with immigration authorities and comply with all U.S. laws.
Upholding one’s U.S. Green Card requires continuous adherence to immigration and legal obligations. Although permanent residency confers significant benefits, it also entails substantial responsibilities.
Green Card holders must steer clear of the mistakes mentioned earlier, including relocating abroad without appropriate arrangements, failing to file taxes, or neglecting Selective Service registration.
Staying informed and proactive is crucial for Green Card holders to maintain their status and progress toward U.S. citizenship without setbacks.
Seeking guidance from immigration attorneys or tax professionals can provide clarity and help ensure compliance with U.S. laws, ultimately contributing to a successful and secure residency experience.
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