Q: Risk of detention or reentry denial for green card holder traveling to Peru

A: As a green card holder who has maintained your permanent resident status for over 15 years with no pending legal issues, your risk of detention or reentry denial after a short trip to Peru is minimal. The law generally protects lawful permanent residents who make brief trips abroad and maintain their primary residence in the United States. Your lengthy history as a permanent resident works strongly in your favor, as immigration authorities typically view this as evidence of your commitment to maintaining your status.

Nevertheless, it remains prudent to carry documentation demonstrating your ties to the United States, including proof of employment, property ownership, tax records, and family connections. Short trips of one to two weeks are rarely problematic for green card holders, as they clearly fall within the boundaries of temporary travel rather than abandonment of residence. Upon return, you may face routine questioning about the purpose and duration of your trip, but this standard procedure rarely leads to complications for travelers in your circumstances.

To further minimize any potential issues, avoid carrying large sums of cash, ensure your green card has not expired, and consider bringing a copy of your most recent tax return. Remember that the burden of proving abandonment of permanent resident status falls on the government, not on you as the traveler. Your extensive history as a permanent resident, combined with the brevity of your planned visit to Peru, provides strong protection against any serious immigration complications upon your return to the United States.