Permanent residence in the United States has always been viewed as a stable immigration status. However, recent policy changes and stricter enforcement trends have made it clear that even lawful permanent residents (LPRs) — or “green card holders” — are now facing closer scrutiny when traveling, filing for citizenship, or renewing status.
Here are five key areas that green card holders should pay special attention to in 2025 and beyond.
1. DUI Convictions
A single driving under the influence (DUI) offense can now trigger serious immigration consequences. While one conviction may not automatically make a green card holder deportable, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have increasingly detained returning residents with past DUIs during airport inspections.
In some cases, individuals with old DUI convictions have been held in secondary inspection or denied reentry until further review. Those with multiple DUIs may face additional hurdles when applying for U.S. citizenship, as such cases often raise questions about “good moral character.”
NPZ Tip: Green card holders with a prior DUI should consult both an immigration attorney and a criminal defense lawyer before traveling internationally or applying for naturalization.
2. Repeated Speeding or Traffic Violations
While isolated traffic tickets generally do not affect immigration status, multiple violations — especially three or more — can raise red flags when applying for citizenship. Under recent USCIS guidance, patterns of repeated disregard for traffic laws may be viewed as evidence of poor judgment or lack of moral character.
NPZ Tip: Resolve all unpaid citations before filing any application with USCIS. Bring documentation showing corrective action, such as completion of defensive driving courses or community service.
3. Failure to File or Pay Taxes
Tax compliance has become an important factor in immigration evaluations. Green card holders who fail to file tax returns or have unresolved IRS debts may be seen as failing to meet their legal obligations. This can delay or derail naturalization applications — and, in rare cases, trigger secondary inspection upon return from international travel.
NPZ Tip: Keep clear records of all tax filings and, if necessary, set up a formal payment plan with the IRS before applying for U.S. citizenship.
4. Extended Travel Abroad
Staying outside the United States for long periods — particularly more than one year — can be interpreted as abandoning permanent residence. Even shorter absences may invite questioning if officers believe a person’s “real home” is abroad.
NPZ Tip: If you must remain outside the U.S. for an extended period, apply for a re-entry permit before departure and maintain strong ties to the U.S. (home lease, tax filings, bank accounts). Never sign Form I-407 (Record of Abandonment of Lawful Permanent Resident Status) under pressure.
5. Social Media and Political Speech
In the digital age, online posts and protest photos can surface during immigration reviews. Officers now cross-check applicants’ social media activity to assess background and credibility. While lawful political expression is protected, inflammatory or extremist content may cause unnecessary scrutiny during travel or citizenship interviews.
NPZ Tip: Be thoughtful about your public online activity and know that social media posts can become part of your immigration record.
NPZ Guidance
At NPZ Law Group, we are seeing a clear pattern: green card holders are now subject to tighter review than ever before — especially during travel and citizenship processing.
Our attorneys assist clients in understanding these risks, gathering proper documentation, and responding effectively if concerns arise during inspection or adjudication.
If you are a permanent resident with prior legal issues, tax concerns, or long absences from the United States, contact NPZ for a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can a single DUI cause deportation?
Not usually by itself, but it can cause reentry delays or additional scrutiny at ports of entry and may affect future naturalization.
2. Do unpaid traffic tickets matter for immigration?
Yes. Multiple or unresolved citations can create problems in citizenship applications and sometimes appear in background checks.
3. How long can I stay outside the U.S. as a green card holder?
Trips over six months raise questions; trips over one year can be viewed as abandoning residence unless you hold a valid re-entry permit.
4. What happens if I haven’t paid my taxes?
Tax issues can impact your “good moral character” evaluation. Resolve outstanding matters with the IRS before applying for citizenship.
5. Can my social media posts affect my immigration status?
Potentially, yes. Officers may review public information to assess conduct or affiliations during background checks.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.