Once you secure a green card, the green card gives you lawful permanent resident status, allowing you to remain in California or another part of the United States until one of two things occurs. You either establish citizenship through the process of naturalization or lose or abandon your status as a lawful permanent resident through certain actions.
Per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, there are several actions you might take that have the potential to put your green card and lawful permanent resident status in jeopardy. Here are several examples.
1. Using the wrong classification on tax returns
You must file and pay taxes when you live in the United States as a lawful permanent resident. You also have to declare yourself an immigrant when filing them each year. Failing to use the correct status and declaring yourself a “nonimmigrant” on your tax returns may endanger the status of your green card.
2. Traveling outside the country for too long
You may also endanger the status of your green card if you leave the United States for an extended period. If you leave the country, your trip must be temporary in nature, and you need to be able to showcase as much. You may be able to do so by securing either a re-entry permit from USCIS before you go or a returning resident visa when you get back.
3. Moving to another country
Moving to another country with the intention of remaining there permanently also leads to a loss of lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security also has a legal obligation to inform the IRS when you lose your status as a lawful permanent resident.
