What happens if a green card holder leaves the U.S. for a long period of time?

If a green card holder leaves the U.S. for an extended period of time, they may risk losing their green card and also any right to enter and remain in the United States. Under U.S. immigration law, green card holders must maintain their residency in the U.S. in order to keep their green cards. Leaving the country for a period of time that is considered "abandonment" may lead to complications and the loss of their green card. When deciding if the green card holder has abandoned their status, the U.S. government considers the length of time that the green card holder is outside of the U.S., the number of trips taken, and the reasons for the trips. In general, if a green card holder is outside of the U.S. for more than six months, it is likely that their residency status will be affected. If they are outside of the U.S. for more than 180 days, a presumption of abandonment could be found. It is best to consult with a lawyer to determine the specific risks to a particular situation. In California, green card holders who are temporarily outside of the U.S. for business or pleasure must complete a Form I-131 to submit to the U.S. government. This form shows that the green card holder is keeping their residency in the United States and that their extended absence is only temporary. If a green card holder does not file this form, the U.S. may find that they have abandoned their resident status.

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Si un titular de tarjeta verde abandona los Estados Unidos por un período de tiempo prolongado, él o ella corre el riesgo de perder su tarjeta de residencia permanente. El Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de Estados Unidos (DHS) presume que un titular de tarjeta verde ha abandonado los EE. UU. si ha estado fuera de los EE. UU. durante más de un año. Una vez que un titular de tarjeta verde ha estado fuera de los EE. UU. durante más de un año, el DHS tendrá una audiencia para determinar si el titular de tarjeta verde ha abandonado realmente los Estados Unidos. Si el DHS determina que el titular de la tarjeta verde ha abandonado los Estados Unidos, se le revocará la tarjeta de residencia permanente. Es importante que un titular de tarjeta verde que vaya a estar fuera de los EE. UU. durante más de un año obtenga una autorización de viaje por regreso (ARS) antes de salir. El otorgamiento de una ARS demostrará que el titular de la tarjeta verde no abandonó realmente los Estados Unidos, sino que planeaba regresar a los EE. UU. dentro de un año. Por lo tanto, un titular de tarjeta verde debe asegurarse de tener una ARS antes de salir de los Estados Unidos.

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What happens if a green card holder leaves the U.S. for a long period of time?

What happens if a green card holder leaves the U.S. for a long period of time?

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