Can a Green Card be revoked?
- Murtaz Navsariwala
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
For thousands of immigrants around the world, obtaining a Green Card represents much more than just a document - it's the gateway to a new life in the United States. However, a common and legitimate question still creates uncertainty among those who already have or are seeking permanent residency: "Can a Green Card be canceled?"
The answer requires more than a simple yes or no. It's important to understand how the system works, what the law actually says, what the risks are, and what are the safest paths to obtain - and keep - this valuable status.
In this article, we’ll clearly and strategically address the main concerns about the Green Card and, at the end, show a viable path for those still pursuing the dream of permanent residency in the U.S. Stay with us until the end!
Table of Contents
What is a Green Card?
The Green Card, officially known as the Lawful Permanent Resident Card, grants the holder legal permanent residentstatus in the United States. This means the person can:
Live legally in the U.S.;
Work anywhere (with few exceptions);
Study in public or private institutions;
Travel freely (respecting rules and timelines);
File taxes as a legal resident;
Apply for U.S. citizenship after a certain period.
Although the term "permanent" suggests lifelong benefits, it's important to note that the physical card has an expiration date (usually 10 years) and must be renewed. What’s truly permanent is the legal status - as long as the immigration rules are respected.
In other words, the Green Card is an acquired legal right, but not unconditional.
In what situations can a Green Card be revoked?
“Permanent” does not mean unchangeable.
Despite the name, permanent resident status can be revoked under specific circumstances.
A Green Card may be canceled if the immigrant:
Commits serious crimes;
Is convicted of fraud or false statements during the immigration process;
Abandons residency in the U.S. (e.g., long absences without justification);
Fails to file taxes or violates legal obligations;
Poses a threat to national security.
In short, the Green Card is a legal right, but it's conditional upon fulfilling responsibilities. It is not a “blank check” that guarantees residency for life regardless of the resident’s behavior.
That’s why staying compliant with U.S. laws and seeking legal guidance when in doubt is crucial.
Can the U.S. government cancel all Green Cards from one nationality?
This is a concern many people have, especially during times of political instability or immigration policy changes. But the answer is clear: No, the U.S. government cannot collectively cancel the Green Cards of a specific nationality.
Such an action would be illegal, discriminatory, and would violate the constitutional right to due process. Any cancellation must be individual and based on legal grounds such as crime, fraud, or abandonment of status.
U.S. immigration law is clear: Green Cards can only be revoked with legal justification and the right to a defense.
This legal protection offers peace of mind to permanent residents and shows that, with proper legal support, immigrants can live confidently in the U.S.
How to Obtain a Green Card
If you’re planning to move to the U.S. and still don’t have a Green Card, the good news is that there are legitimate and strategic pathways to achieve permanent residency - and these options go beyond marriage to a citizen or millionaire investments.
One of the most effective routes today is the EB2-NIW visa (Employment-Based Second Preference - National Interest Waiver).
This visa is designed for:
Professionals with advanced degrees (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent experience);
Individuals with exceptional abilities in fields such as health, science, technology, education, engineering, economics, and others;
Applicants with a professional plan that benefits the U.S. at a national level, even without a sponsoring employer.
The major advantage of the EB2-NIW is that it waives the need for a sponsor. In other words, you can apply on your own, based on your qualifications and the potential positive impact you can make in the country.
This visa can lead directly to a Green Card, offering a more independent and predictable process for those who want to plan their immigration journey with greater control and legal security.
At Murtaz Law, we have over 15 years of experience helping qualified professionals from around the world turn their dreams into reality. We work with clarity, trust, and a very high approval rate for the cases we take on.
If you want to find out if you qualify for the EB2-NIW, understand the legal paths to obtaining a Green Card or protect the status you’ve already earned...
Contact our team now by clicking here.
We’ll assess your case and guide you with honesty and legal excellence.
About Murtaz Law
With more than a decade of experience, we take pride in guiding families and individuals on their journey to legally immigrate to the USA, whether temporarily or permanently.
Our success story spans a variety of cases, including temporary immigration, family reunification, naturalization, and especially, work visas like the EB2-NIW, which leads to the Green Card. Over the years, we have built a solid reputation and become a reference for skilled professionals, artists, and elite athletes who wish to expand their careers or undertake ventures in the USA.
Our 99.5% approval rate in cases demonstrates our commitment to a personalized approach, combining ethics, creativity, and deep knowledge of the laws and economic issues. We recognize that each client has a unique story and work side by side, individually, to create tailored strategies that achieve the desired outcomes. We take the importance of our work in our clients' lives seriously. Your future deserves a unique strategy, and we at Murtaz Law have the experience and expertise to meet your immigration needs.
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