Immigration Lawyer Blog
Green card holders returning to the U.S. are facing increased scrutiny in 2025. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is detaining more travelers with past legal issues or extended absences, and there’s a growing expectation to carry proof of ties to the U.S., like tax returns or lease agreements. New biometric systems track travel more closely, and frequent or long trips raise red flags about abandoning residency.
Green card holders are required to maintain continuous residence in the U.S. and extended or frequent trips abroad—especially those lasting over 180 days—can trigger a presumption of abandonment of permanent resident status.
Here are four key trends green card holders should be aware of when returning to the United States after temporary foreign travel.
Trend #1: Have Proof of Ties to the United States
Green card holders may be questioned by CBP about their ties and continuous residency in the United States. To help prevent complications—especially for those who have been outside the United States for 180 days or more—it may be wise for such individuals to present strong evidence of continued residence in the U.S., such as recent tax returns, employment verification, valid driver’s license, mortgage or lease agreements, and utility bills, to demonstrate that you have not abandoned your residency.
Even trips as short as three months can raise questions about your ties to the U.S.
Trend #2: CBP Officers Are Tracking Travel History
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are closely reviewing the travel history of green card holders, with a close eye toward frequent or extended trips abroad. Long absences from the United States (6 months or longer) can lead to questioning or increased scrutiny at the border.
CBP officers have questioned travelers wanting to know the purpose for their trip abroad, the length of their absence, and whether their primary residence is in the U.S. or another country.
Be prepared to clearly explain your answers to these questions.