Can Green Card Holders Be Deported?

For immigrants in the United States, there is great comfort and security in obtaining a green card. Green cards do bring many benefits to immigrants. They have fewer restrictions on traveling and gaining employment than visa holders, receive financial assistance, join the military, and more. Unfortunately, the protections offered by a green card are not limitless for lawful permanent residents.

Many green card holders believe their lawful permanent resident status shields them from deportation. Unfortunately, this is not true. Below, our Atlanta deportation defense attorney explains in greater detail.

When Can Lawful Permanent Residents Be Deported from the US?

As a green card holder, you have the right to work and live in the United States but remaining in the country is still not guaranteed. You must still comply with federal immigration laws and avoid being convicted of certain criminal offenses.

Some of the immigration law violations that can result in deportation for green card holders are as follows:

• Becoming a public charge for reasons that were non-existent when entering the United States
• Falsely representing yourself as an American citizen to gain immigration benefits
• Providing U.S. immigration authorities with false information
• Failing to notify the appropriate U.S. immigration officials of a change in your address
• Violating certain documentation and travel restrictions
• Committing marriage fraud to enter the United States

Certain criminal offenses can also result in green card holders being deported. Some of these include:

• Unlawfully purchasing, selling, possessing, or other involvement in transactions of weapons, firearms, and other destructive devices
• Child abuse, neglect, or abandonment
• Stalking and domestic violence offenses
• Crimes of moral turpitude
• Aggravated felonies
• Drug crimes

The above are just a few of the violations and convictions that can result in green card holders being deported. If you have been notified that removal proceedings have been initiated, it is critical to speak to a deportation defense lawyer who can advise on your case.

How Can Green Card Holders Avoid Deportation?

While it is sometimes possible for green card holders to be deported, there are ways to protect yourself as a lawful permanent resident. These include:

• Avoid traveling outside of the United States for more than six months and definitely no longer than a year, as this can create a presumption of abandoned residency.
• Apply for a re-entry permit before leaving the country for more than six months, as it shows you intend to return.
• Carry documents such as lease agreements or tax returns on you to show your ties to the United States.
• Speak to an attorney about the naturalization process, as American citizens cannot be deported.

Call Our Deportation Defense Attorney in Atlanta Today

If you are a green card holder facing deportation, it is critical that you seek legal advice. Our Atlanta deportation defense attorney can provide it, advise on the defenses available, and guide you through the process so you obtain the most favorable outcome. For a consultation to discuss your needs and case, please call Shirazi Law today at 404-523-3611. Serving clients in Atlanta, Moultrie, and Dalton, GA and Chattanooga, TN.

Source:

uscis.gov/green-card