What should a new U.S. permanent resident do right after receiving a green card?
Immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart explained that permanent residence is a status that must be protected. New green card holders should take steps that demonstrate an intention to live in the United States. This includes maintaining a U.S. address, keeping ties like employment or school enrollment, and avoiding conduct that could be interpreted as abandoning residency. Ultimately, most permanent residents will want to pursue U.S. citizenship, and maintaining continuous residence is critical to that path.
How long can a green card holder travel outside the United States without problems?
According to Attorney Stewart, extended trips abroad can raise questions about whether the person intends to remain a U.S. resident. A single trip of six months or more creates a presumption that residency has been abandoned. While it’s possible to rebut that presumption by showing strong ties to the United States — such as property ownership, tax filings, or family ties — extended absences increase the risk of being questioned upon re-entry.
What is a re-entry permit and when should a green card holder apply for one?
A re-entry permit allows a permanent resident to stay outside the United States for an extended period without jeopardizing their green card. Attorney Stewart recommends applying for a re-entry permit before leaving if an absence of several months is unavoidable, such as for family obligations or international employment. The permit signals to U.S. Customs and Border Protection that the trip is temporary and pre-approved, reducing the risk of re-entry complications.
How long is a green card valid, and when should it be renewed?
Most green cards are valid for 10 years. If a person received a two-year conditional green card (for example, through marriage to a U.S. citizen), they must file to remove the conditions before the card expires. Once conditions are removed, a 10-year card is issued. Attorney Stewart noted that even if a card expires, the individual may still retain permanent resident status — but without a valid card, travel, employment, and proof of lawful status become problematic.
Is it better to apply for naturalization instead of renewing a green card?
Attorney Stewart often advises eligible permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship rather than simply renew their green card. Citizenship eliminates many of the travel and re-entry issues faced by permanent residents and provides access to faster family sponsorship categories. For those married to U.S. citizens, naturalization may be available after three years of marriage; for others, the standard waiting period is five years.
Are there travel restrictions on where a green card holder may go internationally?
There are no country-specific restrictions. The main concern is time spent outside the United States. Any international travel may trigger questions at re-entry, but longer absences are riskier. Green card holders should always carry their valid green card when returning, as airlines require it to board a U.S.-bound flight, and U.S. Customs will not admit a traveler without proof of permanent resident status.
Why is it important to keep a green card current if permanent resident status does not expire?
A valid, unexpired green card serves as legal identification and proof of lawful status. Without it, boarding a flight, securing employment, renewing a driver’s license, or re-entering the United States becomes difficult. Airlines may refuse boarding without current documentation, often requiring travelers to obtain temporary proof from a U.S. consulate.
What are the advantages of becoming a U.S. citizen instead of remaining a permanent resident?
U.S. citizenship simplifies travel, removes the risk of being denied entry, allows for voting, and provides access to additional immigration benefits such as sponsoring more family categories with shorter wait times. Attorney Stewart explained that while permanent residents can be questioned or, in rare cases, detained at the border, U.S. citizens must be admitted and cannot be pressured to give up their status.
Can green card holders sponsor relatives for immigration?
Yes. Green card holders can petition for spouses, minor children, and unmarried adult children. However, the wait times for these family categories are longer compared to petitions filed by U.S. citizens. Often, it’s advantageous to file a petition early and then upgrade it to a faster category after naturalization.
Why do some people choose not to naturalize and remain green card holders indefinitely?
Attorney Stewart noted two common reasons. First, some individuals wish to retain exclusive citizenship in their home country, often for cultural or tax reasons. The United States taxes worldwide income, so high-earning individuals may prefer to avoid U.S. citizenship. Second, certain background issues may temporarily make naturalization risky or inadvisable, prompting individuals to delay or forgo citizenship.
What is Kevin J. Stewart’s general advice for long-term green card holders?
In most cases, Attorney Stewart encourages permanent residents to naturalize. Citizenship removes many of the logistical and legal complications tied to permanent residence, protects against inadvertent abandonment issues, and provides greater security and flexibility for the individual and their family.