Can a Green Card Holder Be Deported?

Although green card holders are granted a variety of rights and privileges in the United States, they can still be deported under certain circumstances. The thought of enduring removal from the country can be devastating for foreign nationals, especially those with family, careers, and other ties to the country. If you are a green card holder, it is crucial that you understand why and how you can be deported. Work with a deportation and removal defense attorney in NYC for knowledgeable counsel and representation.

What is a Green Card?

A green card, or Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued by the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services). It grants the holder the legal right to live and work permanently in the United States.

Green card holders are afforded many of the same benefits and rights as citizens. They can travel internationally, sponsor relatives for green cards, obtain employment and education, and more. After a certain period, they can apply for U.S. citizenship.

Green card holders do not have all of the same rights as citizens, however, and must comply with certain rules in order to maintain their status. This includes renewing their green card every ten years, obeying all U.S. laws, filing taxes, demonstrating an intent to continue residing in the U.S., and more.

Can a Green Card Holder Be Deported?

Although having a green card is the step just before becoming a U.S. citizen, green card holders can be deported under certain circumstances. Deportation, or removal, is a process where a non-citizen is ordered to leave the United States, generally for legal infractions.

A green card holder can be deported for several reasons, one of the main ones being if they were convicted of a crime. Certain crimes can result in removal proceedings, like aggravated felonies, crimes of moral turpitude, drug offenses, or a second or subsequent criminal conviction. Not all convictions will result in deportation, but depending on the offense, it could make the individual appear to be dangerous to society.

Violations of immigration rules may also trigger deportation. For example, green card holders are required to provide honest and accurate information to the USCIS, inform the government of changes of address, not abandon their residence in the U.S., and more. Violating any immigration rule could result in removal from the country.

In general, a green card holder can be deported under the following conditions.

• They were inadmissible at the time of entry
• Their permanent residence status was conditional based on family or employment, but the status has been terminated
• They knowingly helped smuggle someone into the country
• They committed marriage fraud to obtain a green card
• They have been convicted of a crime that warrants removal
• They failed to advise immigration authorities of a change of address within 10 days
• They falsely represented information to obtain a green card or other immigration benefits
• They engaged in terrorist activity
• They became a public charge

There are many reasons that a green card holder could be deported, so it is important that you understand your legal rights and responsibilities. For more information, contact an experienced immigration attorney today.