With Coronavirus taking such an economic toll on America, it is no shock that the government is creating harsher and stricter rules when it comes to immigration. Green card holders are especially on edge because a simple mistake on a form can be the difference between staying in America and being deported. The USCIS, also known as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is considering to put in place some new rules in 2020. These new rules include:
- Men between the ages of 18-25 who hold a green card must register with the U.S. Selective Services (see sss.gov)
- Previously, as long as you remain in the United States for over six months out of the year, you could maintain your permanent resident status. With the new rules taking effect, an extended trip overseas could be considered as abandonment of a green card. An official rule has not yet been released, but we suggest that new immigrants should refrain from taking prolonged trips.
- You may also be at jeopardy at losing your green card if you fail to admit you are an immigrant on your tax return or fail to report some of your income.
- The “crimes of moral turpitude” list is being expanded. This may impact your eligibility for citizenship, and even lead to deportation.
- Using or applying for welfare programs within five years of becoming a permanent resident can make you eligible for deportation.
Most assume that once you obtain a permanent residence card you are in the clear from deportation but that isn’t the case. It is important to understand that obtaining a green card and obtaining citizenship are separate and apart. With the government doubling down on immigration reforms, they are making it harder for immigrants to obtain citizenship once green card holders become eligible to apply.
Some other possible changes that may impact immigration and citizenship heavily include:
- The Trump administration is considering a rise in the application fee for U.S citizenship from $640 to $1,170 nearly doubling in price. This has not yet taken effect.
- There is also a revision in the process of being made to the U.S. civics test. The questions on the written test and the oral test may be more difficult to demonstrate English efficiency in the applicant.
So, what are green card holders to do in order to secure their residency in America? We recommend that green card holders start the naturalization process as soon as possible. Obtaining U.S. citizenship provides immigrants a sense of protection because they won’t be at risk for deportation and also allows for many more opportunities once you get past that final step.
At Law Offices of Inna Vernikov PLLC, we handle immigration matters including green card and citizenship petitions. Call us at today at (212) 729-3497 or learn more about how the Law Offices of Inna Vernikov can help you.