Green Card Rules Permanent Residents Must Follow

5 Green Card Rules You Might Be Breaking Without Knowing (And How to Stay Safe)

As a U.S. green card holder, there’s a good chance you’re unknowingly breaking the law—and it could cost you big time. From travel mistakes to paperwork errors, these overlooked rules are catching permanent residents off guard.

🚨 Rule #1: You MUST Carry Your Green Card at All Times

It’s required, and it’s now being strictly enforced.

  • Green card holders 18 and older are required to carry their actual, physical green card with them at all times.

  • For decades, this law was rarely enforced. But under the current Trump Administration,  ICE and CBP have been cracking down.

  • Asked to show ID and without the card? could lead to $100 fines or even 30 days in jail.

✅ What to do: Always carry your original green card, especially when driving or traveling—even short distances.

🛑 Rule #2: Don’t Stay Abroad for Over 180 Days

Many green card holders think they can stay out of the U.S. indefinitely and still keep their permanent residency. Sorry that’s wrong.

  • USCIS starts considering abandonment of your status after just 180 days outside the U.S.

  • As of December 26, U.S. Customs will begin taking photos at departure and entry, making it easier to track your time abroad.

  • If you stay away too long, they can presume you’ve abandoned your permanent residency—and you’ll have to prove otherwise.

✅ What to do:

  • If you plan to be out of the U.S. for more than 6 months, apply for a re-entry permit. This is called “Advance Parole”

  • At the very least, travel with proof of U.S. ties—bank statements, lease agreements, tax records.

💰 Rule #3: File Taxes Every Year—Even If You Made $0

It doesn’t matter if you’re a home maker, student, unemployed, or didn’t earn a penny.

  • As a green card holder, you’re required to file U.S. taxes annually.

  • IRS and immigration databases are now connected, and unpaid taxes can trigger problems at the border.

✅ What to do:

  • File a return even if your income is $0.

  • Stay in good standing with the IRS to avoid complications with USCIS or re-entry into the U.S.

🏠 Rule #4: Update Your Address Within 10 Days

Moved recently? You need to tell USCIS—fast.

  • You are required to notify USCIS of a change of address via Form AR-11 within 10 days of relocating.

  • If USCIS mail is returned to sender, you could miss critical notices—and it’s your responsibility, not theirs.

✅ What to do:

  • File Form AR-11 online (it’s free and takes minutes).

  • Always ensure USCIS has your correct address to avoid delays or problems.

🚫 Rule #5: Don’t Travel Internationally With a DUI or Misdemeanor on Record

Even if it happened 20–30 years ago, a single DUI or misdemeanor can block your return to the U.S..

  • Under the current Trump Administration, green card holders with past criminal charges are being stopped and questioned at ports of entry.

  • Many are shocked to find that older convictions now trigger enforcement actions under updated immigration guidelines.

✅ What to do:

  • Avoid international travel (at least during the current Presidential administration) if you have any criminal record.

📌 Recap: 5 Rules Green Card Holders Must Follow

  1. Carry your green card at all times

  2. Don’t spend over 180 days abroad without proper documentation.

  3. File U.S. taxes every year, even with zero income.

  4. Update your address within 10 days of moving.

  5. Avoid international travel with a DUI or misdemeanor on your record.