What Can Cause Loss of Permanent Residency in Texas

Becoming a lawful permanent resident is a major step toward building a stable life in the United States. Many people believe that once they receive a green card, their status is secure. In reality, permanent residency can be lost under certain circumstances, even if you live in Texas and have held your green card for years.

Understanding what can put your permanent resident status at risk is critical. Knowing when to seek legal help can make a significant difference.

What Is Permanent Residency?

Permanent residency allows a non-citizen to live and work in the United States indefinitely. Green card holders have many rights, but they must also follow specific rules under U.S. immigration law. Violating these rules can lead to loss of status and, in some cases, deportation.

Common Reasons Permanent Residency Can Be Lost

Several actions or situations can cause a green card holder to lose lawful permanent resident status.

1. Committing Certain Crimes

Some criminal offenses can make a permanent resident removable. These include aggravated felonies, drug crimes, crimes involving fraud, domestic violence, and crimes of moral turpitude. Even a conviction years after receiving a green card can trigger removal proceedings.

In many cases, the outcome depends on the type of offense, the sentence imposed, and the timing of the conviction.

2. Immigration Fraud or Misrepresentation

If a green card was obtained through fraud, false information, or misrepresentation, permanent residency can be revoked. This includes false statements on immigration forms or during interviews.

Fraud does not have to be discovered immediately. Immigration authorities can review past applications years later.

3. Abandoning Permanent Resident Status

Permanent residents are expected to live primarily in the United States. Long trips abroad, especially trips lasting six months or more, can raise questions about abandonment. Living outside the U.S. for extended periods without a reentry permit is a common reason people lose their green cards.

Using a green card while clearly living in another country can lead to serious consequences at the border.

4. Failure to Update Address

Green card holders are required to notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of any address change within the required time frame. Failing to do so may not always lead to immediate loss of status, but it can cause serious legal problems and affect future immigration benefits.

5. Violating Conditions of Residency

Some green cards are conditional, such as those based on marriage or investment. If the conditions are not properly removed within the required time, permanent residency can be terminated.

Missing deadlines or filing incomplete paperwork is a common issue in these cases.

6. Security-Related Grounds

Involvement in terrorism, espionage, or activities considered a threat to national security can result in loss of permanent residency. These cases are taken very seriously and move quickly through the immigration system.

7. Voluntarily Giving Up Permanent Residency

Some individuals formally abandon their green card, often for tax or long-term relocation reasons. Once permanent residency is surrendered, returning to the U.S. as a resident becomes difficult.

What Happens If You Are at Risk of Losing Your Green Card?

If immigration authorities believe you are removable, you may be placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. This does not mean loss of status is automatic. Many people have defenses available, but timing and legal strategy are critical.

Ignoring notices or attempting to handle the process alone can make the situation worse.

How Mokolo Law Firm Can Help

Mokolo Law Firm provides legal guidance and representation for permanent residents facing immigration challenges in Texas. The firm can:

• Evaluate whether a criminal charge or conviction affects your green card
• Advise on travel risks and reentry issues
• Help prevent abandonment of permanent residency
• Assist with removal of conditions on residency
• Review past immigration filings for errors or misrepresentation risks
• Represent clients in removal and deportation proceedings
• Prepare waivers and legal defenses when available
• Advise permanent residents seeking U.S. citizenship

The firm focuses on protecting lawful status and helping clients make informed decisions before problems become irreversible.

Final Thoughts on What Can Cause Loss of Permanent Residency in Texas

Permanent residency offers important rights, but it also comes with legal responsibilities. Many green card holders lose their status because they were unaware of the risks or waited too long to seek help.

If you are concerned about your permanent resident status or facing immigration issues in Texas, early legal guidance is essential. Mokolo Law Firm works to protect your residency, your future, and your ability to remain in the United States legally.