Can You Be Deported While Renewing Your Green Card in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know

2. What Happens After You File Form I-90?

Once USCIS receives your I-90 application:

• You’ll get a receipt notice (Form I-797) confirming submission. This can be used as temporary proof of status.
• You’ll be scheduled for a biometrics appointment, where your fingerprints and photograph will be taken.
• USCIS will conduct a background check to review your immigration and criminal history.
• If no issues arise, your new Green Card will be mailed to you.

But—if the background check reveals red flags, your renewal can be delayed, denied, or even referred for removal proceedings.

3. Grounds That Can Trigger Deportation During Renewal

A. Criminal Convictions

This is the number one reason USCIS might deny a Green Card renewal—and, in some cases, initiate deportation proceedings.

If you were convicted of a crime while holding a Green Card, USCIS will scrutinize the nature and severity of the offense. Common examples include:

• Multiple DUI convictions
• Drug offenses
• Theft or burglary
• Crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs)
• Domestic violence
• Immigration fraud
• Financial or tax-related fraud

If USCIS determines the conviction makes you inadmissible or removable, you may receive a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court. At that point, you’ll need to defend your right to remain in the United States.

👩‍⚖️ Tip: If you’ve been convicted of a crime, consult both a criminal defense attorney and an immigration attorney before filing Form I-90. In some cases, post-conviction relief or legal motions can mitigate the immigration consequences.

B. Fraud and Misrepresentation

If USCIS suspects that you:

• Obtained your Green Card through marriage fraud
• Provided false information during your original immigration petition
• Were involved in financial fraud, tax evasion, or identity theft

Your renewal application could trigger further investigation. Depending on the case, this could lead to revocation of your permanent residency and referral to Immigration Court.

While not every fraud case leads to deportation, the burden falls on you to prove your eligibility for continued lawful status.

C. Extended International Travel or Residency Abandonment

Did you spend extended periods outside the U.S. while holding your Green Card? If so, this could signal to USCIS that you may have abandoned your permanent residency—even unintentionally.

Common red flags include:

• Spending more than 6 months outside the U.S. without valid reason
• A single trip abroad lasting over 1 year without a Reentry Permit
• Repeated international trips that indicate your primary residence is no longer in the U.S.

If USCIS identifies long absences in your travel history, they may:

• Request additional evidence to explain your travel
• Call you for an in-person interview
• Flag your case for potential abandonment

If you can’t demonstrate continued ties to the U.S.—like a permanent home, job, or family—they may consider your Green Card abandoned.

4. What If USCIS Flags Your Case?

When USCIS notices a problem during your Green Card renewal review, they may:

• Send a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for more documents
• Issue a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) detailing why they plan to reject your application
• Refer your case to immigration court by issuing a Notice to Appear (NTA)

You are not deported immediately. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Respond to the RFE or NOID with evidence supporting your case
• Appear in court with legal counsel and argue your right to stay

Until a final decision is made by an immigration judge, you remain a lawful permanent resident, and your work authorization typically continues.

🧠 Reminder: USCIS does not “take away” your Green Card simply because you apply for renewal. But the process can uncover prior violations that may lead to enforcement action.

5. Green Card Renewal Isn’t Automatically Safe—Be Prepared

Some people assume renewing their Green Card is just a formality. But here’s the truth: USCIS uses the renewal process to re-evaluate your entire immigration record.

You’re effectively re-confirming your eligibility for lawful permanent residence. That’s why any misstep—from criminal convictions to unexplained travel abroad—can complicate the process.

6. How to Avoid Trouble: Key Tips for a Smooth Renewal

To avoid unnecessary delays, denials, or legal risks, follow these tips:

✅ 1. Apply Early

Submit Form I-90 6 months before your card expires. This gives you enough buffer time for biometrics, requests for evidence, and processing.

✅ 2. Review Your Criminal History

If you’ve had any arrests or convictions, obtain certified court records and consult an immigration attorney. You may need to disclose them and explain rehabilitation or post-conviction outcomes.

✅ 3. Monitor Your Travel History

If you’ve taken long trips abroad, be ready to document:

• Purpose of travel
• Duration of stay
• Ties maintained to the U.S. during absence (e.g., home ownership, job, family)

✅ 4. Update Your Address with USCIS

Even as a Green Card holder, you’re legally required to notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days by filing Form AR-11. Failure to do so may lead to missed notices or complications in your case.

✅ 5. Be Honest on Your Application

Lying or omitting details—even unintentionally—can be considered misrepresentation, which may have serious immigration consequences.

7. If Your Renewal Is Denied, What Are Your Rights?

If your Green Card renewal is denied:

• You’ll receive a written explanation of the decision.
• In some cases, you can appeal or file a motion to reopen/reconsider.
• If referred to court, you will have a chance to defend your case before an immigration judge.

⚖️ You still have legal rights as a permanent resident—even if USCIS challenges your status. With proper legal representation, many Green Card holders successfully defend themselves and keep their residency.

8. Should You Apply for U.S. Citizenship Instead?

If you’re eligible to naturalize, you might consider applying for U.S. citizenship instead of renewing your Green Card. Naturalization offers several advantages:

• No more Green Card renewals
• Protection from deportation in most cases
• Full legal rights, including voting
• Eligibility for U.S. passports

However, the naturalization process also includes a background check and interview—so if you have past issues, they may still arise.

Final Thoughts: Renewing Smartly, Staying Protected

The act of renewing your Green Card won’t automatically get you deported—but it can expose issues that might. Criminal records, extended travel, and past misrepresentations are all areas of concern for USCIS.

The best way to stay protected? Know your history, file early, and seek legal guidance when necessary. Whether you’re renewing or considering citizenship, take each step seriously and treat it as an opportunity to safeguard your future in the U.S.

Need Help With Your Green Card Renewal or Immigration Case?

Our legal team is here to assist you. If you have questions about your eligibility, want help filing Form I-90, or need guidance after receiving a USCIS notice, contact us today.
🌐 Visit: www.usimmigrationtalk.com  

📍 We’re here to help immigrants build a secure future in the United States.