For many immigrants, receiving a green card can feel like the start of your new life. This card grants you the right to live and work freely in the United States. However, it’s imperative to understand that being a green card holder does not grant you the same rights as domestic and naturalized citizens. As such, you may be surprised to learn that, even with a green card, you can be deported. The following blog explores this matter in further detail, including offenses that can result in deportation. You’ll also learn the importance of connecting with Fairfax County deportation defense lawyers to explore your options during these overwhelming and difficult matters.
Is It Possible for Someone With a Green Card to Face Deportation?
Receiving your green card can be an incredibly exciting experience, as this means you are now a lawful, permanent resident of the United States. This grants you much more freedom than if you were a non-permanent resident or in the country illegally. While your green card is your key to remaining in the United States to live and work freely, it’s important to understand that because you are not considered a citizen, you can face deportation.
It’s important to understand that if you are facing deportation, you may have time between when you are issued a removal notice to when you must leave. This allows you time to either apply for a waiver to have the cause of your deportation forgiven or to fight the order in immigration court.
Why Might a Green Card Holder Be Deported in Virginia?
There are a myriad of reasons that a green card holder can face deportation. These reasons include, but are by no means limited to, the following:
- Committing marriage fraud
- Smuggled in someone without legal grounds before, during, or within five years of their own entry into the United States
- Convicted of a crime of moral turpitude within five years of admission
- Convicted of an aggravated felony
- Flasely represented themselves as United States citizen for immigration benefits
- Became a public charge within five years of entry
- Failed to provide immigration authorities with a change of address within 10 days of moving
Because only domestic and naturalized citizens are protected from being deported in the United States, it’s in your best interest to consider becoming a citizen as soon as possible to help protect your status. The only time a naturalized citizen can face deportation is if they used fraud to obtain their green card or citizenship.
As such, you should apply for a green card as soon as you are eligible, which is generally after five years of lawful permanent residence in the United States. However, if you received your green card through marriage, you are required to become a permanent resident first before applying for citizenship. This requires you to remove the conditions from your two-year green card.
As you can see, facing deportation is not something that should be taken lightly. As such, if you were issued a removal notice, the most important thing you can do is connect with an experienced immigration attorney immediately. At Goel & Anderson, our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to assist you through these difficult times. When you need help, our team is here. Contact us today to learn more.
