A U.S. green card gives you the privilege to live and work in the country permanently, but this does not mean that it does not come with conditions.
If you are an immigrant aiming to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, the most common path is to be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years. Of course, there are still general eligibility requirements to consider if you decide to go through naturalization. These include demonstrating good moral character, understanding the fundamentals of history and knowing the principles of the government.
Ways to lose your green card status
A permanent resident who lied, removed relevant information or committed marriage fraud (marrying a U.S. citizen to get a green card) during the application may lose their green card status. They may also lose their green card and may be grounds for deportation if convicted of a crime.
Another factor in green card revocation is when the U.S. green card holder stays out of the U.S. for too long (about 180 days or more, annually). If you will be out of the country for an extended period, you may secure the necessary documents to prove that you have no intention of abandoning your status.
Re-applying for your green card
If the state revokes your green card status, there is still hope for reapplication. First, you may check your eligibility for reapplication. If you are qualified, you may then file for a Returning Resident (SB-1) visa. If you have not been in the United States for more than a year, there is a different set of paperwork to fill out, and you may seek help from a legal professional to increase your likelihood of reclaiming your permanent resident status.
