Green Card Holders, Know Your Reentry Rights Before You Travel

For many lawful permanent residents (LPRs), holding a green card feels like finally being able to breathe after a long journey. You’ve built a life in the U.S. You’ve worked, contributed, maybe raised a family here. You’re home.

But what many people don’t realize is that even with a green card, you can still lose your immigration status especially if you leave the U.S. without proper preparation.

At Garvish Immigration Law Group, we’ve received an increasing number of urgent calls from green card holders facing issues at U.S. borders. The common thread? Confusion around reentry rights.

We hear questions like:

• “How long can I stay abroad without losing my green card?”
• “Do I need a reentry permit?”
• “What happens if my green card expires while I’m outside the U.S.?”
• “Will I be treated like a new immigrant every time I come back?”

Here’s what we want every permanent resident to know:

1. Time Matters.
   If you are outside the U.S. for more than 6 months, CBP (Customs and Border Protection) can question your intent to maintain your residency. Over one year? You risk being deemed to have “abandoned” your green card altogether unless you have a valid reentry permit.
2. Intent Is Key.
   If you can’t prove that your trip abroad was temporary and that you always intended to return you may face serious issues, even if you were gone less than a year.
3. Reentry Permits Are Protection.
   Planning to be away for an extended period? You must apply for a reentry permit before you leave. It’s the best way to safeguard your status.
4. Expired Green Cards = Problems.
   If your green card has expired while you’re abroad, you could face obstacles when trying to board a flight or reenter the U.S. Even though you’re still technically a permanent resident, proving it gets more difficult.
5. Naturalization May Be the Next Step.
   If you’re eligible, applying for U.S. citizenship can be a powerful way to protect your future and your freedom to travel.

At Garvish Immigration Law Group, we do more than help people get green cards; we help them keep them. Our team advises clients every day on how to manage travel, family obligations abroad, employment overseas, and emergency departures.

We believe that no one should live in fear of being locked out of their home, especially not those who have already worked so hard to become permanent residents.

If you’re planning international travel or have concerns about maintaining your green card status, don’t wait. Reach out. Let’s plan ahead and protect what you’ve built.

Because your journey didn’t end with a green card. It is just beginning.