In recent months, lawful permanent residents—commonly referred to as green card holders—have begun facing new challenges when traveling internationally. These issues are part of a broader shift in immigration enforcement and travel protocols under the new administration. As a Las Vegas immigration attorney with extensive experience in family immigration, I’ve heard from numerous clients who are understandably concerned about how these changes may affect their ability to leave and re-enter the United States. Here’s what green card holders need to know.
Heightened Scrutiny at Ports of Entry
One of the most noticeable changes for green card holders traveling abroad is the increased scrutiny at U.S. ports of entry. In the past, lawful permanent residents returning from short trips abroad—particularly visits to see family—could expect a relatively routine process. Now, many are facing additional questions, delays, and in some cases, referrals to secondary inspection.
Officers are asking more detailed questions about time spent outside the U.S., employment history, tax compliance, and intent to reside permanently in the United States. For those who have spent more than six months abroad, even for legitimate family reasons such as caring for a sick relative, there is growing concern that reentry could be more difficult than expected.
Unannounced Policy Shifts and Inconsistent Enforcement
A major challenge for green card holders is the lack of formal announcements regarding some of these changes. While no official policy has been published indicating a shift in treatment of lawful permanent residents, travelers are reporting inconsistent enforcement, depending on the airport, the officer, or even the country they visited.
This uncertainty makes it harder for families to plan international trips, especially when emergencies arise. In the context of family immigration, travel to and from one’s country of origin is often necessary for maintaining close relationships, attending important life events, or fulfilling obligations like caring for elderly parents. The unpredictability of reentry poses a real burden for immigrant families who are trying to stay connected across borders.
Extended Absences and Abandonment of Residence
Another risk green card holders face is the possibility of being accused of having abandoned their U.S. residency. If a permanent resident spends more than 180 days outside the country, immigration officers may question whether the individual still intends to reside in the United States permanently.
Although extended absences are not automatically disqualifying, they do raise red flags. Officers will look at a variety of factors, including the reason for the absence, ties to the United States (such as employment, home ownership, and family), and evidence of intent to return.
As a Las Vegas immigration attorney, I often advise clients to prepare for travel by gathering documents showing their continued connection to the U.S.—tax filings, utility bills, lease agreements, and employment letters can all be helpful. In cases involving unavoidable long-term absences, applying for a reentry permit before leaving the country may be a wise precaution.
Green Card Holders Seeking Naturalization
For those looking to transition from permanent resident status to U.S. citizenship, frequent or prolonged travel can also complicate the naturalization process. Absences of more than six months can disrupt the “continuous residence” requirement, a key eligibility factor for naturalization.
Under the current climate, USCIS may more closely scrutinize time spent abroad and request documentation to explain any gaps in U.S. residence. In some cases, this has led to delays or denials in naturalization applications.
Given these risks, green card holders considering U.S. citizenship should consult with an experienced Las Vegas immigration attorney to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and that past travel does not pose a problem.
What Green Card Holders Can Do Now
To protect your permanent resident status while traveling internationally, consider these steps:
Limit time abroad: Keep international trips under six months when possible.
Document your ties to the U.S.: Maintain U.S. employment, a home, bank accounts, and active family connections.
Apply for a reentry permit if you anticipate needing to remain outside the U.S. for an extended period.
Consult a qualified immigration attorney before making travel plans, especially if you’ve been outside the U.S. for more than 180 days in the past year.
Conclusion
The current administration’s approach to immigration enforcement has created new challenges for green card holders, particularly those navigating international travel. Inconsistent policies, increased scrutiny, and concerns about abandonment of residency all highlight the importance of proactive planning and legal guidance.
If you are a permanent resident concerned about international travel or exploring the path to U.S. citizenship, I encourage you to consult with a Las Vegas immigration attorney who understands the evolving landscape of family immigration. At our firm, we are committed to helping immigrant families stay connected and protected—at home and abroad.