How to avoid losing your US Green Card?

Every year, more than 1 million people obtain the right to permanent residence in the US, also called the Green Card. The US Green Card gives the holder the right to live and work in the US permanently.

However, having a Green Card does not mean that you can never be removed from the US. Certain actions could get you deported or bar you from becoming a US citizen even though you hold a Green Card.

As per the USCIS, here are some guidelines to avoid losing your US Green Card:

• You should maintain your permanent residence in the US. If you remain outside the US for more than a year, the US will consider you to have abandoned your permanent resident status. If you do need to remain outside the US for more than a year, then get a re-entry permit before you leave the country.
• Do not commit or get involved in criminal activities. Criminal activities are considered immigration violations. Not only will you face the penalty for your offences, but you will also lose your Green Card status. US Green Card holders could lose their status if found involved in serious crimes like:

-Terrorist activities

-Rape

-Murder

-Human trafficking

-Drug trafficking

-Fraud

-Sexual assault on minors

Green Card holders found guilty of such crimes not only lose their Green Card but also become ineligible for US citizenship in the future.

• Make sure to always file your taxes including the Federal Form 1040 (US Resident tax return). This is applicable even on the income earned outside of the US, as per Mwakilishi.
• Do not claim to be a US citizen when you are not. This includes all claims both verbally and in writing. Immigrants who are found guilty of claiming to be US citizens could get deported or barred from naturalization.
• Do not cast your vote in any elections where the voter must be a US citizen. Illegal voting attracts criminal penalties and could also result in the loss of your Green Card.
• Do not be a drug addict or an alcohol addict. Habitual drug and alcohol addicts are deemed ineligible for US naturalization.
• If you do not support your family or fail to pay child support, you may lose your Green Card. You may also become ineligible for US citizenship in the future.
• The US law requires males aged between 18 and 25 to register for the Selective Service.

Y-Axis offers a wide range of Visa and Immigration products as well as services for aspiring overseas students including Work Visa for the USA, Study Visa for the USA, and Business Visa for the USA.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to the USA, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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