Green card re-entry screening strengthened, lawyers remind of precautions.

Under the current strict immigration policies, many green card holders are feeling “less secure,” facing restrictions on the length of their stay abroad, intense questioning upon entry, and even the confiscation of their green cards. In response to these issues, professional lawyers recently shared some key points to be aware of and recommended a popular L-1 business visa application.

On April 7th, the New York Eastern Association invited immigration lawyer Huang Guirong to discuss common but potentially overlooked legal immigration visas and procedures for obtaining status, including the expedited L-1 business visa for green card application, handling immigration green card interview procedures for those exempt from deportation and penalties for illegal stay, and issues faced by green card residents when staying abroad for extended periods.

Currently, the strict scrutiny of green card holders by the Trump administration has left community residents feeling worried and insecure. During the event, an audience member inquired about being able to renew their green card for a third time, even after already having done so twice. Lawyer Huang stated that this depends on the individual’s background and needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Huang Guirong pointed out that green card holders may face scrutiny if they stay abroad for more than six months or a year before re-entering the U.S. The presidential executive order has strengthened reviews of the time green card holders spend abroad, particularly targeting individuals of Chinese and Indian descent. If abroad for over a year, individuals may be required to explain their reasons upon returning to the U.S. and could risk losing their green card. Even if the overstayed time abroad is in the past, they may still be held accountable.

In response, Huang strongly advised green card holders to strictly adhere to the time limits spent abroad and not casually hand over their green card upon entry, instead letting a lawyer handle the process through legal procedures.

Additionally, Huang mentioned that green card holders who have committed misdemeanors that resulted in a criminal record may also be referred to immigration authorities for processing. It is clear that the green card does not guarantee absolute security, and the government may tighten various benefits for green card holders in the future. Hence, he suggested that Chinese elderly residents who are over 65 years old and have lived in the U.S. for over 20 years consider applying for U.S. citizenship by taking the citizenship exam in Chinese. If unable to take the test due to physical or cognitive disabilities, they can request a doctor’s note as proof and apply for an exemption from the exam to directly obtain citizenship.

However, despite the Trump administration’s series of executive orders leading to stricter reviews, immigration laws have not changed, and those eligible for green card applications can continue to apply. Huang recommended a popular method for obtaining status, aligning with the current “Made in America” policy of the Trump administration to invest in subsidiary companies of American franchise businesses; managers of such companies coming to the U.S. for business can apply for the “L-1 Intracompany Manager Visa” and “Elite Green Card.” For example, executives dispatched by Chinese or Taiwanese franchise businesses (such as bubble tea shops) to work in the U.S. can apply for a green card through a relatively direct and fast process.

The event organizer, Eastern Association President Yu Jinshan, stated that the immigration issues shared at the event are very important, but immigration laws are highly complex and require professionals to handle them. He hopes that residents will not take it lightly and will promptly maintain their legal status to avoid any harm.