Policy on Legal Permanent Residents with Criminal Convictions

Key rights of green card holders

• Live and work permanently in the U.S. without the need for an employment visa. 
• Sponsor certain family members for immigration (spouses, unmarried children, and later categories subject to visa availability). 
• Access many public benefits (note: which benefits are relevant for immigration analyses depends on program and policy).
• Apply for U.S. citizenship when eligible (naturalization). 

Major responsibilities and actions you must take

Green card holders must obey U.S. laws, file taxes, and carry proof of status. In addition, male LPRs between 18 and 25 must register with Selective Service. Failing these obligations can cause problems in later immigration proceedings.

Vital immigration forms & travel rules

When you need to travel, replace a lost card, or preserve residency, use the proper USCIS forms: apply for a reentry permit or advance parole (Form I-131) if you plan to be outside the U.S. for long periods; file Form I-90 to renew or replace a green card; and file Form I-751 if you are a conditional resident seeking to remove conditions on residence. These filings help protect your ability to re-enter and to maintain continuous residence.

Be careful with long trips abroad

Trips of six months or more can trigger CBP scrutiny of whether you abandoned residence; trips of a year or more usually break continuous residence for many immigration benefits unless you have a reentry permit or other proof of intent to maintain U.S. residence. Always plan long absences with immigration consequences in mind. 

How you can lose LPR status

There are several common ways to lose permanent resident status: (1) voluntary abandonment — e.g., acquiring residence abroad or taking actions showing intent to give up U.S. residence; (2) extended absence without a reentry permit; (3) certain criminal convictions that make one removable; and (4) failure to remove conditions when required (I-751 timing). If immigration authorities initiate removal, consult counsel immediately. 

Criminal convictions and immigration risk

Not all crimes lead to removal, but many convictions (or admissions) can create deportability or inadmissibility. Therefore, any LPR charged with or convicted of a crime should seek immigration advice before pleading, because a plea that seems minor criminally can trigger severe immigration consequences. 

Practical checklist — keep your green card safe (copy-pasteable)

1. Keep your green card current: file Form I-90 to replace or renew before your card expires. 
2. If you plan travel of 6+ months, gather evidence of ties to the U.S.; for travel of 1+ year, obtain a Reentry Permit (Form I-131) where appropriate. 
3. If you had a conditional green card, file Form I-751 within the 90-day window before the card expires. 
4. Register for Selective Service if you are a male between 18–25. 
5. File taxes as required and keep tax records — U.S. tax filing supports claims of residence and ties. 
6. Avoid criminal pleas without immigration counsel; preserve records and dispositions if you have past arrests. 

When to get legal help — red flags

• You are arrested, charged, or convicted of any crime.
• You plan to stay outside the U.S. for six months or longer (especially a year or more).
• Your green card is lost, stolen, or expired and you need to travel or prove status.
• You received a Notice to Appear (NTA) or other removal paperwork.

Short FAQs (copyable answers)