For millions of immigrants, receiving a U.S. Green Card is the culmination of years of hard work, patience, and hope. It’s seen as the golden ticket to building a life in America. But here’s what many don’t realize—your permanent residency isn’t always permanent.
Under certain circumstances—especially in the first five years after it’s granted—the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can revoke your Green Card through a process known as rescission of status. And when that happens, the legal protections you’ve earned can disappear overnight, leaving you vulnerable to deportation.
How a Green Card Can Be Revoked?
USCIS makes it clear: if it’s found that you were not actually eligible for permanent residence at the time you received your Green Card, your status can be taken away. This can happen due to:
- Abandonment of Permanent Residence
Living abroad for extended periods without a reentry permit—or without proof you intended to keep the U.S. as your primary home—can be interpreted as abandoning your residency. - Fraud or Misrepresentation
Providing false information, using fake documents, or entering a sham marriage just for immigration benefits can all result in revocation. - Criminal Convictions
Serious offenses—such as drug trafficking, domestic violence, or crimes involving moral turpitude—can lead to loss of status, even after a single conviction. - Immigration Law Violations
Working without authorization, failing to maintain continuous residence, or committing immigration fraud can all trigger rescission proceedings.
The USCIS Revocation Process
If USCIS suspects your status should be revoked, they’ll issue a Notice of Intent to Rescind (NOIR)—typically within the first five years of granting your Green Card.
You then have options:
- Present evidence to refute their claims.
- Request a hearing before an immigration judge.
- Or, in the worst-case scenario, accept the charges and depart the U.S. voluntarily.
But here’s the twist: if your Green Card was obtained through a family petition, your spouse and children may also lose their status if yours is revoked. USCIS can issue separate revocation notices to each family member, potentially impacting your entire household.
Why Citizenship Is the Best Protection?
This is where U.S. citizenship becomes your ultimate safeguard. While permanent residency can be questioned and revoked, citizenship is far more secure—you cannot be deported for most of the reasons that could cost a Green Card holder their status.
With citizenship, you also gain:
- Full voting rights in local, state, and federal elections.
- Protection from policy changes that affect green card holders.
- Expanded job opportunities, including government positions.
- The ability to sponsor more family members for immigration.
By naturalizing, you lock in your place in the U.S. and remove the uncertainty that permanent residents still face—especially in their first few years.
The Bottom Line
A Green Card is a major milestone, but it’s not the final destination. The first five years are critical, and one mistake—or even a misunderstanding—can threaten everything you’ve worked for.
If you already have your Green Card, the smartest move you can make is to start your citizenship process as soon as you’re eligible. It’s the surest way to secure your future, protect your family, and fully embrace the rights and responsibilities of being American.
Don’t wait for a NOIR to arrive—apply for citizenship and protect your American dream today.
