Green card holders in the United States enjoy many rights and privileges, but they are not immune to deportation. For foreign nationals who have established lives, careers, and families within the country, facing the possibility of removal can be an incredibly distressing experience, especially given the complexities of the immigration process. If you are a green card holder, it’s essential to understand the grounds and procedures for deportation. For guidance and skilled representation, consult a determined Middlesex County, New Jersey Deportation Defense Lawyer.
What is a Green Card?
A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is an official document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that grants its holder the legal right to permanently reside and work within the United States.
Green card holders are afforded many of the same rights as U.S citizens. These include the ability to travel internationally, sponsor relatives for green cards, pursue employment and educational opportunities, and more. After meeting specific requirements, they become eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. However, they must comply with certain rules to maintain their legal status in the country. This entails renewing their green card every ten years, complying with all U.S. laws, demonstrating a continued intention of residing in the country, among other requirements.
Can You Face Deportation?
While holding a green card is typically the precursor to U.S. citizenship, green card holders can face deportation under specific circumstances. This process involves a non-citizen being legally compelled to leave the country, often due to legal infractions.
A primary reason for deportation is a conviction for a serious or violent criminal offense. Certain offenses, such as aggravated felonies, crimes of moral turpitude, drug offenses, or a second subsequent criminal conviction, nature of the crime, a threat to society. Violations of immigration regulations can also lead to deportation. For instance, green card holders are obligated to provide truthful and accurate information to USCIS, notify the government, and maintain their U.S. residency, among other requirements. Failing to adhere to any immigration rule could result in removal from the country.
Generally, a green card holder may be subject to deportation if any of the following conditions apply:
- They were inadmissible
- Their conditional permanent residence status has been terminated
- They intentionally assisted in smuggling someone into the country
- They have been convicted of a crime that mandates removal
- They committed marriage fraud to obtain a green card
- They failed to inform immigration authorities of an address change within 10 days
- They misrepresented information to acquire a green card or other immigration benefits
- They participated in terrorist activities
- They became a public charge
Understanding your legal rights and responsibilities as a green card holder is crucial, as there are various reasons for potential deportation. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact a qualified attorney from the Law Offices of Aditya Surti, LLC.