When an individual receives a green card, he or she becomes a lawful permanent resident of the United States. In limited cases, however, the government may deport a person who holds this status.
Learn more about whether deportation can affect you or a family member who is legally in the U.S.
Immigration violations
A lawful permanent resident is subject to deportation if he or she:
- Ended a marriage lasting less than four years less than two years after receiving a green card
- Otherwise committed marriage fraud to obtain a green card
- Lost conditional permanent resident status
- Was not admissible to the United States upon status adjustment or original reentry
- Violated the conditions of a green card or visa
Criminal violations
Some criminal offenses can also lead to deportation, including:
- Human trafficking
- Violation of a protective order
- Child abandonment, neglect or abuse
- Stalking or domestic violence
- Sedition, treason, espionage or sabotage
- Drug crimes
- Failure to register as a sex offender
- Aggravated felony offenses
- Crimes of moral turpitude
- Participation in use of child soldiers, torture, genocide or persecution
Additional violations
Miscellaneous reasons for deportation may include:
- Unlawful voting
- Becoming dependent on government welfare programs within five years of entering the U.S.
- Serious consequences for foreign policy resulting from the person’s presence in the U.S.
- Provision of support to a terrorist organization
- False representation as a U.S. citizen
- Failure to alert immigration authorities of a change of address within 10 days of moving
Inadmissibility
If you have a green card and leave the U.S. for an extended period, immigration may find you inadmissible upon your return. For example, you may receive a denial of entry if you have a communicable disease.
Most individuals who face deportation after obtaining legal permanent resident status do not have to leave the U.S. right away. If this occurs, you have the right to an appeal process with attorney representation. You can also apply for forgiveness, known as a waiver, for many offenses listed above.
