Over the years, the government has issued the green card in many different forms.  Some cards contained no expiration date, while others were valid for a certain number of years.  Currently, the government is issuing green cards valid for 10 years.  If your green card expires, you are required to renew the card, and it will not be valid for travel purposes.  To avoid potential problems caused by an expired green card, you should file for a renewal of your green card within 90 days from the date of expiration.  Please note, however, that the expiration of a green card does not mean that you have lost your status as a permanent resident.  The concept of a green card is that it is issued as evidence of “permanent” residence, and this residence is not abandoned simply by virtue of an expired card.  Nevertheless, because the Department of Homeland Security uses green card information for security reasons, it requires that the card be timely updated so that it can inspect and review the current qualifications of U.S permanent residents.  The Department uses information gathered with the applications for renewed green cards to examine the resident’s background every 10 years.  To maximize their rights, we urge that all qualified U.S permanent residents apply for naturalization as soon as the opportunity permits. 

Should you have any questions regarding your immigration matters, please contact the experienced immigration attorneys of Smith & Garg at 562-590-7300 or call our toll-free number at 877-517-4275.  You can also submit an inquiry through our Long Beach Immigration Online Inquiry.