Q: Will I face re-entry issues to the US as a green card holder?
I am a green card holder for over 6 years with no criminal history. I plan to travel to Paris this April. I have not received any notices or requests from USCIS regarding my green card status, but I'm worried that I might not be able to re-enter the U.S. due to administrative changes. Could I face any issues upon re-entry?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
As a green card holder for over six years with no criminal history, you should generally have no issues re-entering the U.S. after your trip to Paris. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may ask about the purpose and length of your trip, but as long as you have not been outside the country for an extended period, your status should remain intact. Make sure to carry your valid green card and passport when traveling.
While routine inspections are common, problems typically arise if a permanent resident has stayed outside the U.S. for more than a year without a re-entry permit or has engaged in activities that violate immigration laws. Since you haven’t received any notices from USCIS and have no known legal issues, there’s no indication that your status is in jeopardy. Still, it’s always good to be prepared by keeping travel documents organized.
If you want extra peace of mind, you can check your green card expiration date and ensure it's valid for your return. It's also wise to keep proof of U.S. ties, like tax filings, employment records, or utility bills, just in case you're asked about your residency. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, you should be able to return without trouble. Safe travels!
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
