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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 green card holder, she’s not at risk unless there are:

• Past immigration violations
• Criminal issues
• Extended absences
• Suspicion of marriage fraud (rare cases)

To Minimize Risk:

• Carry all documentation: green card, marriage documents, lease/mortgage, work letters.
• Avoid long trips: keep under 6 months, ideally under 3.
• Don’t travel if the green card is close to expiring and Form I-751 (to remove conditions) hasn’t been filed.
• If a trip over 6 months is unavoidable, apply for a reentry permit (Form I-131).

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.