Have you worked hard to get your green card and now wonder, “Can my green card be revoked?” It’s a scary thought, but it’s also a smart question. At Rivas & Associates, we believe knowledge is power. Knowing your rights and duties as a green card holder helps protect your future and your family’s.
In this blog, our team of experienced green card lawyers will walk you through when and why a green card might be taken away, how to avoid common problems, and what to do if you’re at risk of losing your permanent resident status.
What Does It Mean to Have a Green Card?
A green card, also known as lawful permanent residency status, allows you to permanently live and work in the United States. It’s a big step toward the American dream, and for many, it’s the beginning of the application process for citizenship.
But even though the term “permanent” is used, your permanent resident card is not immune to revocation. Certain actions can put your green card status in jeopardy.
So, Can My Green Card Be Revoked?
Under certain conditions, authorities can revoke your green card. This means you could lose your immigration status and face deportation (removal) proceedings. Understanding the legal process and your rights as a green card holder is key to protecting your immigration benefits and future.
The Most Common Reasons for Revocation of a Green Card
Some of the most common reasons a green card might be revoked include:
1. Criminal Convictions
If you are facing a conviction of certain crimes involving moral turpitude, like drug offenses, fraud, domestic violence, or theft, the U.S. government may consider you removable. Many green card holders believe minor crimes won’t affect their status, but under immigration law, even lesser charges can have serious consequences.
Important: Not all crimes lead to deportation, but many do. Always speak with a deportation attorney before pleading guilty to any crime. An experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the criminal and immigration consequences.
2. Lying on Your Immigration Forms
If you commit immigration fraud by lying or leaving out crucial information, such as a prior deportation, a criminal record, or a fraudulent marriage, your green card can be revoked. It’s especially serious if the fraud helped you obtain immigration benefits you otherwise wouldn’t have qualified for.
Immigration authorities take fraud seriously. If they believe you attempted to commit immigration fraud, your case may be referred to immigration court and reviewed by an immigration judge.
3. Abandoning Your U.S. Residence
To keep your green card and maintain continuous residence, you must make the U.S. your main home. If you leave the country for more than 6 months—particularly if you’re gone for more than 1 year—without proper planning, the government may think you abandoned your permanent residence status.
Tip: If you must leave the U.S. for a long period of time, apply for a re-entry permit, or consider a returning resident visa before you go. It helps show that you intend to return and maintain residency in the U.S.
4. Failure to Remove Conditions (For Conditional Residents)
If you received a 2-year conditional green card (often through marriage), you must file Form I-751 to remove the conditions before it expires. If you don’t, your green card can expire, and you may face removal proceedings. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services may consider you out of status.
This part of the process can sneak up on people, especially if they move or don’t receive reminders. Make sure your contact information is current and you don’t miss your filing deadlines.
What Happens If the Government Tries to Revoke My Green Card?
If immigration agents determine that you no longer qualify for lawful permanent residency status, they can initiate removal proceedings. You’ll receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) and must go to immigration court, where an immigration judge will hear your case.
During this time, it’s essential to work with a qualified deportation attorney or immigration lawyer in Tulsa, OK, who understands how the system works. You’ll need someone who knows how to fight back and defend your right to permanent residence in the U.S.
How Can I Protect My Green Card?
Here are some simple ways to protect your permanent residency:
- Stay out of legal trouble. If authorities arrest you or charge you, contact both a criminal attorney and an immigration attorney right away.
- Don’t lie to immigration. Always tell the truth and provide complete, honest answers. False statements could be seen as immigration fraud and lead to revocation.
- Keep your main home in the U.S. If you travel, keep records showing your ongoing connection to the U.S., such as a home, job, or family, and consider applying for a re-entry permit.
- Renew your green card on time and file any needed applications (like I-751) before deadlines.
- Keep appointments and respond promptly to immigration officials or notices.
Many permanent residents lose their status due to preventable issues. Need help making sure your lawful permanent resident status is safe? Our team of “green card lawyers near me” can guide you every step of the way.
What If I’m Already Facing Green Card Revocation?
If you received a notice from immigration agents, don’t panic, but don’t wait either. Time is critical. Call a knowledgeable immigration attorney in Tulsa, OK, who understands how immigration law works and knows how to defend against revocation and deportation.
You may be eligible for relief, such as a waiver, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status based on a new petition. Every case is different, so don’t assume there’s nothing you can do.
Worried About Losing Your Green Card? Call Rivas & Associates Today
Losing your green card is not the end of the road. With the right legal help, you may still have options. Every case is different, and we’re ready to hear your story.
At Rivas & Associates, we believe in Empowering Immigrants, Building Futures! We’ve helped many green card holders navigate complex immigration law issues. Many of our clients are hardworking immigrants just like you. You’ve come so far—don’t let one mistake or misunderstanding take it all away.
If you’re facing green card revocation or worried about a problem with your status, call (844) 37-RIVAS(844) 37-RIVAS or complete our online form to schedule your consultation. Talk with one of our trusted immigration lawyers in Tulsa, OK, and let’s work together to protect your future.
Copyright © 2025. Rivas & Associates. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Rivas & Associates
2930 S Yale Ave STE A
Tulsa, OK 74114
(844) 37-RIVAS(844) 37-RIVAS
https://www.rivasassociates.com/
