Green cards grant lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the United States, allowing immigrants to live and work legally across the country. But “permanent” doesn’t always mean forever. Under certain conditions, your green card can be revoked—leaving you vulnerable to removal proceedings, loss of status, and even permanent bans from re-entry.
At Martinez Immigration, we help green card holders across the U.S. understand their rights and defend their residency. If you’re concerned about green card revocation, this guide outlines the risks and how to protect your status.
Reasons a Green Card Can Be Revoked
Remember that even though the green card process is expedited, critical documents and forms still need to be filled out. Background checks and interviews also take time.
Statuses that may expedite the green card process include the following:
1. Criminal Convictions and Green Card Revocation
If you’re arrested or convicted of a crime—even without jail time—your green card may be at risk. USCIS can initiate removal proceedings against lawful permanent residents accused of crimes before a conviction is finalized.
Common Criminal Grounds for Revocation:
- Crimes of Moral Turpitude: These include offenses like murder, rape, robbery, theft, fraud, and assault.
- Aggravated Felonies: Includes trafficking, kidnapping, tax evasion (over a certain amount), and child pornography. These carry harsher penalties and may result in permanent bars from reentry.
- Drug Offenses: Possession with intent to distribute, trafficking, or even minor offenses in some cases.
Tip: If you’re a green card holder facing charges, consult both a criminal defense attorney and an immigration attorney immediately. The outcome of your criminal case can directly affect your immigration status.
2. Marriage Fraud or Application Misrepresentation
Obtaining a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or green card holder is legal—if the marriage is legitimate. Entering into a fraudulent or sham marriage solely for immigration benefits is a violation of U.S. immigration law.
Red Flags for Marriage Fraud:
- Spouses don’t live together
- No joint financial documents or assets
- Lack of knowledge about each other’s families or personal histories
Lying on immigration applications or failing to disclose important information is also grounds for revocation—even if the green card was already approved.
As per the USCIS, premium expedited processing is available for the following forms:
- Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
- Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
3. Failure to Maintain U.S. Residency Requirements
Common Residency Violations:
Green card holders must demonstrate an intention to live permanently in the U.S. If you spend too much time abroad or show signs of abandoning your residency, your green card may be revoked.
- Spending more than 180 consecutive days outside the U.S.
- Moving abroad without filing a reentry permit
- Failing to file U.S. income taxes as a permanent resident
Even compassionate reasons like caring for sick family members abroad don’t guarantee protection from revocation. If the government believes you’ve abandoned your U.S. residence, they can initiate removal proceedings.
Solution: Speak with an adjustment of status lawyer before extended travel. You may be able to apply for a reentry permit or document your intention to maintain U.S. residence.
What Happens When Your Green Card is Revoked?
If your green card is revoked, you lose the ability to live and work legally in the United States. USCIS may:
- Initiate deportation (removal) proceedings
- Place you in detention
- Bar you from returning to the U.S. for years—or permanently
In some cases, you may have a chance to challenge the revocation or apply for relief such as cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or asylum, depending on your background.
How to Protect Your Green Card Status
To avoid losing your green card:
- Avoid legal trouble and seek legal help immediately if arrested
- Keep your application history truthful and complete
- Comply with U.S. residency and tax obligations
- Document any unavoidable time spent abroad
- Renew your green card before it expires
If you believe your green card is at risk, take action now—before USCIS initiates a case against you.
Speak with an Adjustment of Status Lawyer
If you are facing possible green card revocation, the experienced team at Martinez Immigration is here to help. From our home office in Allen, Texas, our virtual law firm proudly serves clients across Dallas-Fort Worth, the state of Texas, and nationwide.
We offer compassionate, strategic legal representation tailored to your situation—whether you’re dealing with a criminal charge, residency issue, or an error in your immigration history.
