Some immigration myths suggest that permanent resident (“green card”) status may be preserved if a permanent resident living abroad comes to the United States once a year and that an absence from the U.S. for more than a year results in the loss of green card status. The reality is not that clear-cut. Permanent resident status may be “lost” if it is deemed abandoned. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) examines a number of factors to determine maintenance of green card status, such as time spent in the U.S. versus time spent abroad and the green card holder’s ties to the U.S. Accordingly, a green card holder who spends a substantial amount of time abroad must take extreme care to maintain as many ties to the U.S. as possible, or else risk being denied admission to the U.S. or placed in removal proceedings based upon an allegation of abandonment of green card status. In many cases, green card holders also should apply for a Reentry Permit to further evidence intent to resume permanent resident status after extended periods abroad. Permanent visas can be attained through a variety of processes including, but not limited to, family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, investor visas, or humanitarian status. Temporary visas are available for work and travel. In addition, businesses, employees or prospective employees and others have a range of options for entering the U.S. on a permanent or temporary basis, many of which are highly complex. For an organization without legal experience with immigration matters, navigating the immigration process can be difficult and highly inefficient and it is essential to work with an experienced legal team that can help you through the process and prevents unnecessary complications. The Murtaz Law Group knows that each client’s individual situation is unique and we will guide you through the best options available under Maintenance of Permanent Legal Residency Status. After gaining a thorough understanding of each client’s given situation, timeframes and goals, we strive to provide the best option, personalized for each client, with the value and efficiency our clients have come to expect.