Can I Be Deported If I Have A Green Card?

In short, yes.

Having a green card, while a crucial step on the path to U.S. citizenship, is not a guarantee that you’ll not suffer consequences if you make poor decisions. The right to stay in the United States depends on an individual avoiding becoming deportable.

Any type of criminal activity can trigger removal proceedings. Having a criminal record for offenses such as drug possession, DUI, theft, fraud or forgery can directly impact your ability to remain in the United States. Essentially, you could be removed from the country and barred from returning.

Outside of criminal activity, there are several instances where your right to live and work in the United States can be removed, such as:

• Voting as a U.S. citizen
• Failure to complete a “change of address” form in a timely manner
• Failure to establish a permanent residence

While these offenses might not seem serious enough to challenge your ability to stay in the U.S., an experienced immigration attorney will caution you that it is a possibility. In the chaotic whirlwind of moving, you forgot to change your address in the specified timeline. One day you are living and working in the United States, and the next day you might be facing deportation. The reality can be quite frightening.

If you have questions regarding removal proceedings or what hazards you face even if you have a green card, we encourage you to contact our Philadelphia office. The lawyers at Henry & Grogan have more than 70 years of experience representing clients throughout Pennsylvania in a wide range of immigration matters. Call or email our firm to schedule a consultation. We provide services in English and Russian.