Safeguarding Your Future: Essential Tips to Maintain Your U.S. Permanent Residency

For many immigrants, achieving U.S. permanent residency is a life-changing milestone that symbolizes stability, security, and the beginning of new opportunities. But obtaining a green card is only part of the journey. To retain this valuable status, permanent residents must carefully follow certain guidelines and requirements. Losing permanent residency can disrupt lives, separate families, and derail years of hard work. At AG Law Firm, we are committed to helping you navigate the responsibilities that come with your green card so that you can protect your residency status and continue building a life in the United States. Here, we provide key tips and essential advice to help you maintain your permanent residency status and avoid the pitfalls that could jeopardize it.

1. Understand the Physical Presence Requirement The U.S. government expects green card holders to treat the United States as their primary home. Maintaining your status requires fulfilling specific residency obligations, particularly regarding time spent in the U.S.

• Avoid Extended Absences: While short trips outside the country are generally acceptable, extended stays (over six months at a time) may raise concerns about your commitment to residing in the U.S. A trip of more than six months, but less than one year, may subject you to additional scrutiny upon return, and anything over one year could lead to the presumption that you have abandoned your status.

• Reentry Permit: If you need to stay outside the U.S. for more than a year due to circumstances like work or family emergencies, consider applying for a reentry permit (Form I-131). This permit signals your intent to return and helps protect your residency status while you’re abroad.

2. Establish Strong Ties to the U.S. Demonstrating your intention to make the U.S. your permanent home can help protect your green card status. Building solid ties to the U.S. can be accomplished by:

• Keeping a U.S. Address and Phone Number: Maintain a physical address and a phone number in the U.S., even if you need to spend time abroad. This shows a connection to your home in the U.S.

• Filing U.S. Taxes as a Resident: All permanent residents are required to file income taxes on their worldwide income. Failing to do so can not only lead to fines but also create issues with immigration status, as it suggests you may not be fulfilling your residency obligations.

• Maintaining Employment, Financial, and Social Ties: Having a U.S. job, owning property, or being active in your community demonstrates your commitment to living in the U.S. Examples of social ties include joining local clubs, attending school or church events, or engaging in community activities. These connections can be valuable if you ever need to prove your intent to remain a permanent resident.

3. Avoid Criminal Activities A criminal record can have serious consequences for permanent residents, including the potential for deportation or loss of status. Crimes of “moral turpitude” or certain felonies can make you deportable. Some of these offenses include:

• Theft or fraud-related crimes

• Drug-related offenses

• Domestic violence or abuse

If you are in a legal situation, it is vital to seek guidance from an attorney to understand how it might affect your immigration status. At AG Law Firm, we can help you understand the potential immigration consequences of any criminal charges and explore options for protecting your residency.

4. Always Carry Your Green Card and Renew It on Time As a permanent resident, carrying your green card at all times is required by law. Additionally, keeping your green card valid and renewed is essential for maintaining your status.

• Renew Every 10 Years: Green cards are generally valid for 10 years, so be sure to renew yours before it expires by submitting Form I-90. An expired card doesn’t invalidate your permanent residency, but it can create problems when traveling, applying for jobs, or renewing other documentation.

• Replacement for Lost or Stolen Cards: If your green card is lost, stolen, or damaged, apply for a replacement immediately to avoid potential legal complications or delays when traveling.

5. Be Cautious with International Travel Plans While permanent residents are allowed to travel freely, frequent or extended international travel could suggest to immigration authorities that you’re not treating the U.S. as your primary home. Here are some strategies to ensure your travels don’t jeopardize your status:

• Limit Long Stays Abroad: Avoid staying outside the U.S. for extended periods without a valid reason. If you anticipate a long stay, apply for a reentry permit and maintain strong ties to the U.S. to help demonstrate that you still intend to live in the U.S. permanently.

• Maintain Connections to the U.S.: Whenever possible, return to the U.S. frequently and continue to pay U.S. taxes, keep a U.S. address, and sustain community involvement.

6. Stay Informed About Residency Requirements and Policy Changes Immigration laws and policies can change, sometimes affecting the rights and responsibilities of permanent residents. To stay compliant, make it a habit to:

• Stay Updated on Policy Changes: Keep an eye on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updates. Changes to policies, especially those related to residency requirements or deportable offenses, may affect your rights as a permanent resident.

• Consult an Attorney: Working with an immigration attorney can help you understand new policies, protect your rights, and address any concerns. At AG Law Firm, we’re committed to staying informed about all immigration policy changes so that we can provide the most current advice to our clients.

7. Be Cautious About Applying for Public Benefits Using certain public benefits may raise questions about whether you plan to remain a permanent resident. While many benefits are safe for green card holders to use, some may have implications if you plan to apply for U.S. citizenship in the future. To avoid potential issues, consider:

• Knowing Which Benefits Are Safe to Use: Public education, emergency healthcare, and some social services are safe for permanent residents. However, benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) could impact future immigration processes under certain circumstances.

• Seeking Legal Advice Before Applying for Benefits: If you’re unsure about the implications of using specific benefits, consult an immigration attorney. They can help you make informed decisions based on your individual situation.

8. Plan for U.S. Citizenship The best way to secure your status in the U.S. permanently is to consider applying for citizenship. U.S. citizenship eliminates the risk of deportation, gives you the right to vote, and allows you to apply for federal jobs. If you’ve been a permanent resident for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), you may qualify for naturalization.

Maintaining U.S. permanent residency requires careful attention to residency requirements, legal obligations, and life decisions that demonstrate your commitment to making the U.S. your home. By following these tips and staying informed, you can protect your green card status and continue building your future in the U.S. At AG Law Firm, we are here to support you every step of the way, from renewing your green card to exploring the path to U.S. citizenship.

Have questions about your permanent residency requirements? Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact AG Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and let us help you protect your status and plan for a brighter tomorrow in the United States.