If a Florida resident applies for and obtains a green card, he or she is granted permission for permanent residency in the United States. Many people mistakenly believe, however, that obtaining a green card means never encountering adjustment of status issues that could place residency at risk. In fact, there are a number of issues that could cause legal problems after acquiring a green card.
The application process for obtaining a green card can be complex and stressful. It is understandable that once a person successfully adjusts his or her status, he or she would not want to do anything to jeopardize it. The following list includes several issues that may place a green card status at risk:
- If a green card holder violates U.S. law, his or her status may immediately be at risk. Violation of U.S. laws that can cause a person to be at risk for deportation include both criminal and civil offenses, especially those considered morally offensive.
- After obtaining a green card, a person may have a need or desire to travel outside the United States. Anyone who leaves the U.S. for more than one year must apply for a re-entry permit before returning to Florida or any other state.
- Failing to inform U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of a change of address in the United States within 10 days of relocating can also cause legal status problems.
It is helpful to carefully review applicable U.S. immigration laws and policies pertaining to green cards in order to avoid adjustment of status problems. To avoid having to apply for re-entry, it is best to keep travel outside the U.S. limited to six months or less.
