Hi my mother in law green card holder was issued in 2005 but she left USA in 2006 now she wants to come visit will there be problem of any kind?
Her green card expired next year
Thank you

If she got it in 2005... and she left in 2006 and hasn't been back... they should have or will revoke it... the laws changed REQUIRING green card holders to spend most of the year in the USA.. or forfeit their green card.

If she is from a country that requires a VISA to visit here... its possible they may stop her at the airport.

We bought tickets already so it means immigration will not allow her in ?

If she got it in 2005...and she left in 2006 adn hasn't been back....they should have or will revoke it...the laws changed REQUIRING green card holders to spend most of the year inthe USA..or forfiet their green card.

If she is from a country that requires a VISA to visit here...its possible they may stop her at the airport.

We bought tickets already... So it means they will not allow her in in the airport because we are in San Francisco and connecting flight from Amman Jordan to Chicago I can't even go there of something happens

If she got it in 2005...and she left in 2006 adn hasn't been back....they should have or will revoke it...the laws changed REQUIRING green card holders to spend most of the year inthe USA..or forfiet their green card.

If she is from a country that requires a VISA to visit here...its possible they may stop her at the airport.

She won't be issued a visa.

She won't be issued a visa.



What I mean by that... if they revoked her green card (and weren't able to reach her to tell her). And not being here in 7 years is more than enough reason... she won't be able to travel on it... and if she was from a country that requires a VISA to visit the USA... then they would block her upon entry... if it isn't caught at the airport of departure.

I would actually be surprised if they let her in because of that. But things do fall ithrough the cracks from time to time.

They won't have a departure scan from this callender year... and coming back would raise all sorts of flags when it is scanned.

She won't be issued a visa.

But she has green card ?

What I mean by that...if they revoked her green card (and weren't able to reach her to tell her). and not being here in 7 years is more than enough reason......she won't be able to travel on it...and if she was from a country that requires a VISA to visit the USA....then they would block her upon entry...if it isn't caught at the airport of departure.
It was only one year after she was issued green card and left
Green card it self in her hands not revoked do you think problem is because she was abroad for too long ?
Thank you

After seven years (bottom line) outside US, legal permanent residents, with green card, lose their status. Suggest you check with US immigration and see if there is Amy kind of visitiors visa she can apply for under the circumstances.

After seven years (bottom line) outside US, legal permanent residents, with green card, lose their status. Suggest you check with US immigration and see if there is Amy kind of visitiors visa she can apply for under the circumstances.

Yes, she was out of the country too long.

It was only one year after she was issued green card and left
Green card it self in her hands not revoked do you think problem is because she was abroad for too long ?
Thank you

THe law changed some time ago... (forget the effective date) that green card holders MUST reside in the USA for most of the year... or the green card will be revoked.

That frees up immigration slots for people who actually want to live here... she's not grandfathered in... it applies to all green card holders.

But seriously... if they do let her in... and don't take her card... please do follow up and let us know. What is supposed to be done by the book... doesn't always fall in line with what they are actually doing.

One of the reasons a green card can be revoked... specifically what applies here.


Maintain the permanent resident status
It is important to maintain a permanent residency in the United States, otherwise your permanent resident status may have been considered to be abandoned. Any of the following will jeopardize losing your permanent resident status and risk getting your green card revoked:
Move to another country and live there permanently.
Remain outside the United States for an extended period.
If you travel abroad for work or any other reason, try to re-visit the United States more than once a year.
If you plan to travel abroad for more than one year, make sure to obtain a re-entry permit or a returning resident visa.
Don't remain outside the United States for more than two years after issuance of a re-entry permit.
Fail to file an income tax return while living abroad.
Declare yourself a Non-resident on your tax return.

. What is supposed to be done by the book...doesn't always fall in line with what they are actually doing.

You can't say this. That means you think that immigration US laws are lax, and I don't think that is the case.

In Canada, everything is tightened up.

You can't say this. That means you think that immigration US laws are lax, and I don't think that is the case.

In Canada, everything is tightened up.
I honestly wish they were doing it here too... every action they have taken points in the opposite direction.

If she left US without a re-entry permit, her green card will be automatically revoked after 12 months. Immigration will not let her in.

If she left US without a re-entry permit, her greencard will be automatically revoked after 12 months. Immigration will not let her in.
Thank you I will try to get ticket refund money
I wish we knew it back in 7 years ago