Once you secure a green card, you become a lawful permanent resident of the United States under immigration law until one of two things occurs. Either you apply for citizenship and follow the process of becoming a citizen through naturalization, or something happens that makes you lose or abandon your status as a lawful permanent resident.
Per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, you may lose your status as a lawful permanent resident if an immigration judge issues an order of removal against you. There are also other ways to abandon your position as a lawful permanent resident and lose your green card, some of which are as follows.
Staying a long time in another country
While moving to another country means you abandon your status as a lawful permanent resident, traveling to a different nation for an extended period may also have the same result. When traveling abroad, you need to furnish proof that your trip is temporary in nature to avoid jeopardizing your green card. This involves explaining the reason behind your trip and why it took longer than planned.
Making certain tax errors
When you become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you need to file your taxes as a “nonimmigrant.” Failing to do this may threaten your green card.
Receiving a drug conviction
Certain types of criminal offenses may also place your green card and lawful permanent resident status in jeopardy. Drug offenses are among them, and many immigrants who receive drug convictions wind up facing deportation.
Once you lose your status as a lawful permanent resident, the Department of Homeland Security must notify the IRS of the change.