5 Green Card Myths and Why They're Not True

Green cards are confusing, and for good reason. United States Immigration is complicated and challenging to navigate without the right legal knowledge and background, which has resulted in numerous misunderstandings surrounding green cards. If you're planning on applying for a green card and want to learn more about them, here are five myths you should know beforehand.

Green Cards Are Permanent

One of the most common myths surrounding green cards is that they never expire. While lawful permanent residence allows green card holders to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, the cards themselves must still be renewed.

To maintain lawful permanent residency, individuals must get their green cards renewed every ten years. Depending on the circumstances, certain people must get them renewed every two years instead. It's worth noting that factors such as criminal activity and prolonged stays outside the U.S. can lead to deportation or loss of permanent residency, meaning that all green card holders should be careful and understand what might jeopardize their status.

You Can Instantly Get a Green Card By Marrying a US Citizen

Another common misconception is that marrying a U.S. citizen guarantees an instant green card. Marriage green cards do offer a legal path to lawful permanent residence, but it doesn't happen immediately.

Depending on the situation, immigrants may need to navigate complex immigration laws, significant delays, and other complexities before they obtain their green cards. Additionally, immediate relatives like spouses still need to go through either adjustment of status or consular processing, and the entire process can take many months or even years to complete.

Marriage Is the Only Way to Get a Green Card

While marriage is a well-known route to obtaining a green card, it is by no means the only option. Employment-based immigration and refugee or asylum claims are also viable pathways to lawful permanent resident status.

Many immigrants qualify for green cards through their family members or employers without the need for marriage. Immigration services provide various options, depending on the individual's background and the nature of their ties to the United States, making the green card process accessible to many different applicants.

Green Cards Make You Immune to Deportation

Some believe that green cards make lawful permanent residents immune to deportation. In truth, holding a green card doesn't make someone exempt from deportation proceedings. Even green card holders must comply with U.S. immigration laws and can be deported for certain criminal offenses or immigration violations. 

In these cases, immigration judges can determine if the green card holder’s lawful permanent resident status should be revoked. As a result, it's important for green card holders to seek guidance from an experienced immigration attorney if they're facing any issues with their immigration status.

Obtaining a Green Card Is a Simple Process

Obtaining a green card might seem like a simple process at first, but it can be quite complicated. The United States immigration system involves numerous steps, including filing paperwork, attending interviews, and meeting eligibility requirements, which can take months and even years, depending on the circumstances.

Consular processing, adjustment of status, and dealing with the federal government often require navigating lengthy procedures. Therefore, consulting an immigration lawyer can be essential in avoiding common pitfalls and delays during the process.

We understand that the green card process can be overwhelming, which is why we do everything we can to help make it simple and straightforward. LaGrone Law takes a compassionate and transparent approach to immigration assistance and specializes in many different fields, including sports immigration. Get in touch today to learn how we can support your immigration journey.