Green Card Complications
Are you experiencing green card complications? You may be frightened and don’t know what to do next. Here is what you should know.
Green Card Complications | Expiring Green Card
Your options depend upon the scenario and upon the type of green card you have. If you are coming up on the end of a 10-year green card, you can file for citizenship with the N-400, or file the I-90 to replace or renew your green card.
The I-90 process will take many months. If you’re worried about traveling during this process, go to the Immigration Office and schedule an InfoPass appointment. If you demonstrate that you are a green card holder and that you’ve filed the I-90, and supply your finger prints, the Office will give you an I-551 stamp allowing you to travel.
If you have a two-year (conditional) green card, you will need to file an I-751 petition to convert your two-year to a 10-year green card.
You have three possible choices: file an N-400, an I-90, or an I-751. In any case, consult with an experienced immigration attorney to pick the right option for you, and to ensure that you have the proper documentation ready.
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Green Card Complications | Relocating to Another Country
One of the terrific benefits of U.S. citizenship is that you will not lose it if you reside in another country, no matter how long.
This isn’t the case for green cards, which do have a residency requirement. Without special permission, if a green card holder outside the U.S. for 12 months or longer risks losing his or her green card. Even after six months outside of the U.S. a green card holder will face more intense scrutiny at the border or in the airport coming back.
Green Card Complications | Criminal History
A U.S. citizen’s criminal history will not affect his or her ability to sponsor someone for a green card, unless a court convicted the person of a crime that falls under Megan’s Law. Megan’s Law is a federal policy requiring authorities to make certain information about sex offenders publicly known. A registered sex offender cannot sponsor a green card application unless that individual has undergone rehabilitation and can offer evidence that he or she will not harm the party seeking sponsorship. This decision is entirely at the discretion of immigration officials. If this concerns you, seek counsel from an experienced immigration attorney, and perhaps a criminal defense attorney.
If you are experiencing any green card complications, please call our office today to speak with our experienced New Jersey immigrations attorney Susan Scheer.