Are Green Card Holders at Risk of Deportation?

While green cards are often called “permanent,” they come with conditions and responsibilities. Permanent resident status can be challenged under certain circumstances — but it is important to know that losing a green card is not something that happens without warning or without a chance to respond.

Understanding these realities can bring a sense of calm and control during times of uncertainty.

Common Reasons a Green Card Could Be Taken Away

Certain actions or situations may put a green card holder at risk of deportation. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude
  (even relatively minor offenses, such as petty theft, can have serious immigration consequences)

• Aggravated Felonies
  (including serious crimes like drug trafficking, illegal firearm possession, or domestic violence)

• Immigration Fraud
  (providing false information to immigration officials to obtain or maintain residency)

• Missing the Removal of Conditions Filing
  (for two-year green card holders who do not timely file Form I-751)

• Helping Someone Enter the U.S. Without Documentation

• Extended or Frequent Travel Outside the United States
  (long absences, or patterns of extended time abroad, can signal abandonment of residency)

It is not just the length of a trip that matters, but the overall pattern of living primarily outside of the U.S. — something immigration officials watch carefully.

The Process of Removing a Green Card Holder

Many people fear that immigration officials could simply revoke a green card without warning. Thankfully, that is not how the system works.

If a green card holder is believed to have violated immigration laws:

• They must be referred to immigration court.

• They will have the opportunity to present their case before an immigration judge.

• They are protected by due process rights, meaning the government must prove any claims against them.

There are often ways to defend green card status and remain lawfully in the United States, even when facing a challenge.

Can Green Card Holders Be Detained?

In cases involving serious criminal activity, immigration authorities may detain a green card holder while their deportation case moves forward.

While detention can be a frightening prospect, it does not mean automatic deportation. Green card holders still have the right to be heard, to seek legal counsel, and to present their defense in court.

Additional Support and Resources

If you have concerns about criminal history, missed immigration filings, or extensive travel outside of the United States, seeking guidance from a knowledgeable immigration attorney can make all the difference.

No two immigration journeys are exactly the same — and no love story deserves to be left to chance. Professional advice can help you safeguard your future, provide peace of mind, and ensure that you and your partner can continue building your life together with confidence.

For more resources, including checklists, videos, and helpful guides designed just for couples, visit our free resource center.

If you have specific questions about your green card status or concerns about your immigration history, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Your dreams, your love, and your peace of mind deserve protection. 💖