Preserving Permanent Residency and Obtaining a Reentry Permit

Once an individual becomes a legal permanent resident (LPR), it is necessary to preserve this status. The status is "permanent" as long as the individual complies with his or her obligations as an LPR. One way that a person may lose that status is if he or she spends prolonged periods of time outside the United States. As a result, he or she may be considered to have abandoned his U.S. permanent residence. After September 11th, immigration inspectors at ports of entry have begun to increasingly scrutinize the length of travel outside the U.S. of LPRs, and the reasons behind prolonged travel. Therefore, precautions should be taken if an LPR will be outside the U.S. for more than six months.

When is an LPR considered to have abandoned residency and what are the consequences?

There is no "golden rule" that port of entry inspectors use in deciding whether a person has abandoned status. A green card can be used as a valid entry document as long as absence from the United States is not for more than one year. However, visiting the U.S. once a year is not enough to maintain status. An absence of more than six months raises a presumption that the person has abandoned U.S. residence. Several other factors are considered in making this determination: 1) a person’s intent upon departure from the United States; 2) whether the travel abroad has a specific purpose and a definitive end date; 3) payment of taxes in the U.S. as a resident; and 4) ties to the United States: employment, property ownership and residency indicators (e.g., valid driver’s license, active bank accounts and credit cards, club/church/association memberships).

Upon entry to the U.S. after a prolonged absence, an LPR should carry documentation confirming the above, and be able to evidence the reason for the absence. A person who is unable to convince the port inspector that he or she has not abandoned his residency may be put into removal proceedings and have his or her green card seized pending the outcome of the proceedings, which can take several months or more.

What is a Reentry Permit?

Port inspectors do tend to give more deference to holders of Reentry Permits. By applying for and obtaining a Reentry Permit, an LPR is notifying the U. S. Government in advance that it is possible that the LPR will be outside the United States for a period up to two years, and that he or she does not intend to abandon residence. The Reentry Permit must be applied for while in the United States, although it is not necessary to wait for its issuance in the U.S.

How does W&A assist?

If you plan to be outside the U.S. for an extended period of time and would like some professional guidance on preserving status, we would be happy to consult you on your specific situation. We may assist in applying for a Reentry Permit, or prepare you for a return visit to the United States after a lengthy absence. Given the severe consequences of a port inspector determination that permanent residency has been abandoned, it makes sense to be prepared for any such encounter. In the event that removal proceedings are initiated, we may assist or find and coordinate with local counsel to ensure that your rights are defended. Finally, we may consult you on obtaining citizenship, notwithstanding significant absences outside the U. S. Please contact us for more information.