WAYS TO LOSE YOUR IMMIGRANT OR “GREEN CARD” STATUS
Contrary to popular belief, a “green card” may be revoked if certain conditions are not met. To ensure that you do not put your legal immigrant status in jeopardy, be sure to do the following:
- File accurate Federal and state income taxes whenever required (typically this means annually but remember that a self employed individual, proprietors, and certain corporations must submit quarterly reports/estimates).
- Register with the Selective Service which will officially make you eligible for the Draft. You can contact the Selective Service by telephone at (847) 688-6888 or register online at www.sss.gov.
- You must reside in the United States for at least six months and one day out of each year to be considered a US resident. If a lawful permanent resident spends one month in the US and the other 11 abroad, they no longer meet the legal definition of “lawful permanent resident” in most cases. One exception is if the person obtains a Re-entry Permit from the INS prior to traveling abroad for an extended period of time.
Most importantly, strictly abide by all laws!
There are several actions that one could commit to put her/his legal status in jeopardy. In fact, it is arguably much easier to lose your legal status than it was to obtain it. The following list are just some of the actions that could lead to your deportation/removal from the United States.
Crimes of Moral Turpitude or Aggravated Felonies including, but not limited to the following:
- Shoplifting
- Driving Under the Influence (of alcohol or drugs)
- Spousal abuse
- Violent Crimes
- Any crime for which the penalty may be one year or more of jail time. Even if a person is convicted and sentenced to 30 days in jail, they are still removable if they could have been sentenced to at least one year of jail time.
- Drug crimes including possession
- Reckless driving
- Other crimes may constitute grounds for Deportation/Removal. Please consult an immigration attorney for specific criminal conviction matters
- Failure to pay Federal and/or state income taxes
- Failure to maintain US residence
If you have any criminal convictions, it is important that you discuss them with an immigration attorney.
©The Law Offices of Romney Wright, September 1999
