Permanent Residence

Lawful admission for permanent residence is defined as “the status of having been lawfully accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such status not having changed.” A person who immigrates to the United States attains status as a lawful permanent resident, or “LPR.” As evidence of his or her status, an LPR is issued a Form I-551, Alien Resident Card (popularly referred to as a “green card”).

The renowned immigration experts of the Law Offices of Robert P. Gaffney help clients all over the world obtain LPR status. We have over 35 years of experience helping our clients overcome challenges through creative solutions and personalized counsel. Call our California law offices at 415-503-9653 to meet with one of our lawyers.

An LPR has the right to live and work in the United States, to travel abroad for any temporary purpose and to return to the United States following such travel. An LPR is additionally entitled to sponsor qualified relatives and apply for naturalization as a United States citizen upon fulfillment of the requirements.

Essential Information About LPR Status

It is important to note that an LPR remains a noncitizen of the United States. As such, he or she is subject to laws that can result in the loss of permanent resident status, either by abandonment or as a result of removal (formerly referred to as deportation or exclusion). Voluntary abandonment of LPR status can occur when an immigrant decides to depart the United States to return permanently to his or her home country or to immigrate to another country. In such a situation, the former LPR may voluntarily surrender his or her green card at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Traveling With Permanent Residence

A person who will be away from the United States for an extended period of time for a temporary purpose should consult with an immigration attorney and consider applying for a permit to re-enter the United States, or re-entry permit. To obtain a re-entry permit, an applicant must explain the purpose and expected duration of his or her planned absence from the U.S. and establish that the absence will be temporary in nature. The re-entry permit must be filed while the LPR is in the United States. Properly securing a re-entry permit, which is valid for up to two years, will greatly facilitate an LPR’s entry upon return to the United States.

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