Is a Green Card Permanent?

As explained by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a green card is a lawful permanent resident card. In other words, a green card provides the right to live and work in America on a permanent basis. It is not citizenship, but it provides a path to citizenship. However, a green card technically is not “permanent.” Green cards expire and they have to be renewed. Further, a green card holder could lose his or her eligibility for serious criminal conduct. Here, our Virginia green card lawyer explains the key points to know in more comprehensive detail.

Lawful Permanent Residence Is a Status, Not a Lifetime Guarantee

A green card confers lawful permanent resident status under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Still, it is important to be clear on what the word “permanent” means in this context. It is not equivalent to full citizenship. The status authorizes an individual to reside and work in the United States indefinitely. It does not confer citizenship, voting rights, or immunity from removal. It remains subject to statutory conditions and enforcement. 

The term permanent refers to immigration classification, not absolute security against removal from the United States. Quite the contrary, lawful permanent residents remain subject to the grounds of removability set forth in INA § 237. Beyond that, the federal government retains authority to initiate removal proceedings if a resident becomes deportable. Green card status continues only so long as a person fully complies with U.S. immigration law.

The Card Expires: The Status Does Not Automatically Expire

Your green card needs to be renewed. However, your status is permanent unless the government determines you violated immigration law. The physical green card (Form I-55)  typically carries a ten-year validity period. Though, conditional permanent residents receive a two-year card. Expiration of the card does not terminate lawful permanent resident status. It affects proof of status, not the status itself. 

With that being said, you need to be sure that you get it renewed in a timely manner. The failure to renew can create some serious practical and legal complications. An expired card may interfere with employment verification, international travel, and reentry. Conditional residents must file a petition to remove conditions within the statutory window. Failure to timely remove conditions can result in automatic termination of status in some cases. It is a serious risk you need to avoid. 

The Bottom Line: Lawful permanent residents may apply for naturalization after satisfying statutory residence and physical presence requirements. Until naturalization is granted, the person remains subject to federal immigration enforcement. Even long-term residents can face removal if disqualifying conduct occurs. 

Contact Our Virginia Green Card Attorney Today

At Escobar Law Offices, our Virginia immigration attorney has the skills and experience to handle all types of green card issues. If you have questions about your rights or your options, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a fully confidential, no obligation consultation. From our Annandale office, we handle green card cases in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and communities beyond.

Source:

uscis.gov/green-card