1. Contrary to the popular belief, green card or permanent residence approval in the U.S. does not always confer the eligibility to live and work permanently in the U.S., even if the green card resident has lived in the U.S. for most of his/her life. This is because:
a) Green card or permanent residence status can be revoked or abandoned (internationally or inadvertently).
b) Green card holders or permanent residents who have committed certain crime may be deportable.
2. If a green card holder or permanent resident have plans to be away from the U.S. for extended periods of time or frequently, (s)he may be eligible to apply for a re-entry permit.
3. A re-entry permit serves to preserve his/her green card status in the sense that the U.S. immigration authority may not rely solely on his/her extended or frequent absences from the U.S. as an abandonment of the green card status.
4. All Rights Reserved.
This article is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be relied on as a legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. For more information, please contact Aik Wan Kok, Immigration Attorney at Tiya PLC, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 703-772-8224 orwww.tiyaimmigration.com. Tiya PLC is a U.S. professional law practice specializing in U.S. immigration law. Ms. Kok and Tiya PLC provide legal representation to foreign nationals, individuals and their families, employers and companies in all stages and aspects of green card and work visa matters.