People a green card is just a proof of being a permanent resident. It being expired has no effect on your legal status. This is clearly stated by the USCIS. Not renewing your green card does not make you an illegal but is still unwise to do. It is the same as if a US Citizen had an expired passport. It is just pieces of paper that are proof but not the gospel itself.
2007-04-30 09:36:22 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
http://www.foreignborn.com/visas_imm/immigrant_visas/green_cards/2faqs_expiring_green_cards.htm
The renewal requirement is for the same reason why you have to renew your passport. To prevent counterfeit ones from being produced.
2007-04-30 09:45:05 · update #1
I asked this question because people were not thoughfully giving a questioner an answer when he asked about his green card being exipred. They just labelled him as an illegal.
2007-04-30 09:46:13 · update #2
THIS IS A TRUE STATEMENT
Permanent Resident Card
The Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, is issued to all Permanent Residents as evidence of alien registration and their permanent status in the US. The card must be in your possession at all times. This requirement means that you are not only required to have a currently valid Form I-551 at all times, but also that you must carry your currently valid Form I-551 on your person at all times. The Permanent Resident Card currently is issued with a 10-year validity. You status as a Permanent Resident does not expire with the 10-year validity. Only the card expires. The card is only valid up to the expiration date and must be renewed before it expires.
A Conditional Permanent Resident is issued a card valid for two years. In order to remain a Permanent Resident, the Conditional Permanent Resident must file a petition to remove the condition during the 90 days before the card expires. The conditional card cannot be renewed. The condition must be removed or you lose your permanent resident status. (See Form I-751 and Form I-829.)
The Permanent Resident Card (either unconditioned or conditioned) can be used to prove employment eligibility in the US when completing the Form I-9 for a new employer. It can also be used to apply for a Social Security Card and a state issued driver’s license. The card is valid for readmission to the United States if the trip was not greater than one year in length. If a trip will last longer than one year, a reentry permit is needed.
2007-04-30 09:46:19 · answer #1 · answered by strike_eagle29 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Thats true. IF you have been awarding 'permanant residency'
If thats the case you do not lose legal status if it expires.
If you have an expired card you will be considered 'out of status' and could be denied entry into the USA if you had left for some reason. So it is sort of like having an expired passport but not completely its a bit more serious.
Student Visa, Work Visa, and some others (there are a whole bunch of types) are not permanent residencies, and with those if they expire, you do become illegal.
2007-04-30 10:24:37 · answer #2 · answered by sociald 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Cite your sources. I don't believe this to be true, otherwise why the renewal requirement?
[added] I stand corrected - but I also stand riled. Passport and green cards are not the same thing. A passport verifies my citizenship, among other things. A green card merely verifies that you are allowed "permanently" in this country - which I really do believe SHOULD be subject to at least a pro forma review at time of renewal, even if the law is not specified as such.
Might be time to lobby the lawmakers.
2007-04-30 09:40:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
your employer is in no way obligated to even give you a leave of absence....people hire employees in an "at will" policy---which means you can be let go for any reason the employer sees fit.... essentially, if you do not have current documents----and are awaiting another green card---I am sure there was a time frame in which you could have had this done without any lapse in your status.....if you need a current card---you need a current card.
2016-04-01 02:34:31 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know it just takes patients.
Jessica that is not true: The purpose for expiration is because after 10years you age. So it would be difficult to identify you if you were 10years old and now your 20. Permanent Residency is not like a visa.
2007-04-30 11:23:16 · answer #5 · answered by Samia 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Permanent resident means permanent for stay by choice and according to specified presence within that nation, and not hopping between permanent stay in other nations, too... unless a crime is commited to allow deportation.
2007-04-30 09:50:20 · answer #6 · answered by United_Peace 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
How can you be "legal" if your documentation is not valid? You should get deported!
For example, what happens if your drivers license has expired? You can't legally drive. Same thing for a green card. If it has expired you can't legally be here.
2007-04-30 09:52:44 · answer #7 · answered by JessicaRabbit 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
There are so many people unfamiliar with immigration procedures and regulation.
2007-04-30 12:05:35 · answer #8 · answered by rocio 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ya all u have to do is renew it?
2007-04-30 09:50:41 · answer #9 · answered by Ghost Rider 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes please why worry about it.
Great information to share with all my immigrant friends.
2007-04-30 09:41:21 · answer #10 · answered by Serge 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋