Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is a multistep process, and one of those steps involves getting a green card. A green card enables you to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis, but there are certain things that may threaten your ability to retain it.
According to the Miami Herald, you risk losing your green card if you do any of the following.
1. Make certain tax mistakes
As an immigrant, you may not file your taxes using nonimmigrant status. If you do, this could potentially lead to the loss of your green card. The same holds true if you fail to declare all your income when filing your taxes with your state or the Internal Revenue Service.
2. Commit certain alcohol or drug-related crimes
Certain criminal offenses, such as drug offenses or driving under the influence, may also place your green card in jeopardy. Such convictions threaten your permanent resident status, and they may also lead to deportation. A deportation order automatically makes your green card null and void.
3. Traveling abroad for an extended period
When you are living in the United States with a green card, you may not make long trips to other nations. When traveling abroad, you must be able to prove that your visit is a short one. Otherwise, if you stay longer than a year in another nation, it invalidates your green card.
If you travel abroad as a green card holder, U.S. Customs and Immigration Services recommends that you apply for permission to come back to the United States.
Find out more about green cards and other immigration-related matters by visiting our webpage.