Many green card holders assume their permanent residency is secure—but one overlooked mistake could quietly put everything at risk. As immigration enforcement tightens heading into 2026, a single misstep may be enough to trigger the loss of your green card forever. In this post, we uncover the #1 silent mistake permanent residents make, why it’s becoming more dangerous than ever, and how to protect your status before it’s too late.
Holiday Travel Triggers New Return Issues for Green Card Holders
During the holiday season, many green card holders travel abroad to visit family, and recently, more are encountering issues with CBP when returning to the U.S. In this video, we cover five of the top concerns that you need to be aware of.
#1 Lack of Ties to the United States
A lack of strong ties to the United States is one of the most common reasons green card holders face problems when reentering the country. Extended time abroad, no U.S. job, limited family connections, or not maintaining a primary residence can make CBP question whether you’ve abandoned your permanent residency. Even if travel was meant to be temporary, weak U.S. ties can signal that the U.S. is no longer your primary home.
#2 Failing to Take Proper Precautions Before Extended Time Abroad
Failing to plan properly before spending extended time abroad can put your green card at risk. Long absences of more than 6 months without a reentry permit, clear travel purpose, or proof of intent to return may lead CBP to question whether permanent residency was abandoned. Even well-intended trips can create serious problems if the right precautions aren’t taken in advance.
#3 Continuous Residency Requirements
Misunderstanding continuous residency rules can lead green card holders to unknowingly jeopardize their status. Certain lengths of time abroad and even frequent trips can break continuous residence or raise abandonment concerns, even if the travel seems temporary. Knowing how long you can stay outside the U.S. — and the consequences of exceeding it — is critical to protecting permanent residency.
#4 The Silent Mistake: Long Absences That Signal Abandonment
Long absences from the U.S. are a silent but serious risk for green card holders. Trips taking longer than 6 months can signal that you’ve abandoned your permanent residency. Without careful planning or documentation, extended time abroad can unintentionally put your green card at risk.
Applying for a reentry permit before any trip longer than six months is essential to protect your green card. It shows CBP that your absence is temporary and that you intend to maintain U.S. residency, helping prevent questions about abandonment.
Carefully preparing and presenting documents that explain the reason for extended time outside the U.S. can be crucial. Examples include documentation proving emergency visits to care for an ill relative, handling urgent legal or medical matters, or addressing unexpected obligations abroad.
#5 Never Voluntarily Surrender Your Green Card (Form I-407)
Green card holders should never sign Form I-407 unless they intentionally want to give up their permanent residency. Signing this form is considered a voluntary abandonment of your green card and can permanently end your U.S. resident status. Even if you face challenges at the border or are unsure about your status, submitting Form I-407 without fully understanding the consequences can have serious, irreversible effects on your ability to live and work in the United States. Always seek legal counsel before taking any action that could impact your permanent residency.
Challenges Even for Green Card Holders with Reentry Permits
Even with a reentry permit, green card holders can still face questions from CBP about the reasons for their extended stay abroad and the strength of their ties to the U.S. This makes it crucial to be fully prepared when returning. Carrying a well-organized folder with supporting documents—such as proof of employment, property ownership, payment of U.S. taxes, and evidence of urgent travel reasons—can help address any concerns and demonstrate your intent to maintain permanent residency.
The Bottom Line
In summary, maintaining your green card in 2026 requires careful attention to the length of planned travel, showing proof of your strong ties to the U.S., and preparing the proper documentation. Even routine trips abroad can trigger questions about abandonment, and reentry permits don’t automatically guarantee smooth entry. By understanding residency rules, planning extended travel carefully, and carrying clear evidence of your intent to maintain U.S. residency, you can protect your green card and avoid the silent mistakes that could put your green card at risk.
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