Can I travel with a green card under the current president?
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Green card holders (including conditional ones) have the legal right to travel and return to the U.S., as long as:
- She doesn’t stay abroad more than 6 months at a time, and preferably keeps trips under 3 months unless necessary.
- She brings all necessary documentation:
- Valid passport
- Valid green card (Form I-551)
- Marriage certificate (recommended, if applicable)
- Proof of residence/ties to the U.S. (job, lease, utility bills, etc.)
Risks Under the Current Administration:
- Increased scrutiny at the border: More detailed questioning, especially for newer green card holders or those from certain backgrounds.
- Misinterpretation of abandonment: Absence of 6+ months or perceived lack of U.S. ties can raise questions about abandoning permanent residency.
- Policy changes: While no current law blocks green card holders from reentry arbitrarily, future executive orders or stricter border enforcement could make reentry more stressful.
All that said, as a French citizen and a green card holder, she’s not at risk, unless there are:
- Past immigration violations
- Criminal issues
- Extended absences
- Suspicion of marriage fraud (in rare cases)
Minimize risk by:
- Carrying all documentation: Green card, marriage documents, lease/mortgage, work letters.
- Avoid long trips: Keep trips under 6 months, ideally under 3 months.
- Don’t travel if green card is close to expiring and you haven’t filed to remove conditions (Form I-751).
- If worried, get a reentry permit (Form I-131) if a trip over 6 months is unavoidable.
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My wife is a French citizen with a temporary 2 year green card. She's worried about the risk of leaving the country with the current administration.
I understand you have questions about traveling on a temporary green card. Have you encountered any issues while traveling with your green card?
No
Are you looking to travel outside of the united states and are unsure about the requirements for temporary green card holders?
No. I'm worried if it's risky to do.
Is there anything else the immigration lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with traveling on a temporary green card.
No
Thanks for connecting. I'm Legal Counsel with over 12yrs of experience in the legal field. I specialize in Criminal, Family, Immigration, Corporate, and Civil litigation. Please give me a moment to review your question.
Thank you for connecting with me today.
Green card holders (including conditional ones) have the legal right to travel and return to the U.S., as long as:
- She doesn’t stay abroad more than 6 months at a time, and preferably keeps trips under 3 months unless necessary.
- She brings all necessary documentation:
- Valid passport
- Valid green card (Form I-551)
- Marriage certificate (recommended, if applicable)
- Proof of residence/ties to the U.S. (job, lease, utility bills, etc.)
Risks Under the Current Administration:
- Increased scrutiny at the border: More detailed questioning, especially for newer green card holders or those from certain backgrounds.
- Misinterpretation of abandonment: Absence of 6+ months or perceived lack of U.S. ties can raise questions about abandoning permanent residency.
- Policy changes: While no current law blocks green card holders from reentry arbitrarily, future executive orders or stricter border enforcement could make reentry more stressful.
All that said, as a French citizen and a green card holder, she’s not at risk, unless there are:
- Past immigration violations
- Criminal issues
- Extended absences
- Suspicion of marriage fraud (in rare cases)
Minimize risk by:
- Carrying all documentation: Green card, marriage documents, lease/mortgage, work letters.
- Avoid long trips: Keep trips under 6 months, ideally under 3 months.
- Don’t travel if green card is close to expiring and you haven’t filed to remove conditions (Form I-751).
- If worried, get a reentry permit (Form I-131) if a trip over 6 months is unavoidable.
I think she's concerned the French president will say something to make Trump angry, and she won't be let back in.
Unfortunately, that is not something she can control.
Would it be better to postpone the trip for a year until she gets her 10-year green card or citizenship?
If the trip is not urgent and she’s close to removing conditions or naturalizing, postponing is a cautious choice.
If the trip is important, she can travel with careful preparation and documentation to minimize risk.
Understood. Thank you.
You're most welcome.
