What's the statute of limitations on a Green Card?

Question

My Argentine dad married my American mom in 62, and got a green card, social security number, etc. and was gainfully employed in the US for many years. He has lived in Argentina for several decades, but is considering coming back. Does he have to go through the whole immigration rigamarole again, or will the green card still be good? And if he lost it ages ago, how can he go about getting a copy? Any ideas on where I'd start?

Thanks!

Answer 1

His Green Card expired 1 year after he left the USA. He needs to start all over again. If he worked for 10 years he's eligible for Social Security benefits no matter where he's currently living.

Answer 2

Yak Rider is totally correct on all points.
Once a green card holder resides outside the U.S. for more than 12 months, then they lose Permanent Residency Status. There may be some exceptions and loopholes, but certainly none that would apply or help in this situation, as it's pretty clear he returned to Argentina to stay. So, he would need to re-apply for immigration.

Also, as YakR stated, if he worked in the U.S. for over 10 years, he could apply for retirement benefits now or at age 65.

http://www.immihelp.com/greencard/returning-resident-visa.html

Answer 3

The Yak Man is correct. Your father has to go through the whole process over, since he gave up his residency. Here is more information on the rights and responsibilities of folks with green cards:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=fe17e6b0eb13d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=4f719c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

Answer 4

Here you go.

http://www.immihelp.com/greencard/