What Green Card Holders Should Know before Traveling Outside the U.S.

The Trump administration’s stricter immigration policies have stirred unease at airports, border crossings, and other U.S. entry points. Visa holders and tourists now worry about the possibility of being detained or deported, and even many green card holders are encountering more rigorous checks.

A green card—officially the Permanent Resident Card—grants holders the right to reside and work permanently in the United States. Previously, permanent residents were able to travel with relative ease compared to other foreign nationals. However, the administration’s tougher border practices and heightened enforcement against those with criminal records have altered that dynamic.

Immigration attorneys report that both U.S. citizens and green card holders have increasingly sought legal advice since President Trump took office, often in preparation for potential problems at the border. Some legal professionals have also turned to social media platforms to address concerns and provide travel guidance for green card holders.

Below is an overview of the rights afforded to green card holders and guidelines on traveling with one.

Rights of Green Card Holders

Lawful permanent residents—commonly known as green card holders—are legally permitted to live and work in the U.S., and they can access Social Security, Medicare, financial aid for college, and even serve in the military, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, these residents can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of permanent residency, or after three years if married to a U.S. citizen. To remain eligible for citizenship, they must spend at least 913 days in the U.S. during the five-year period, as specified by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

As of January 1, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security estimated that the U.S. was home to about 12.8 million green card holders—a slight increase of 70,000 from the previous year. It is also important to note that green card holders are required to carry their cards at all times.

Travel Limitations for Green Card Holders

Green card holders who commit criminal offenses—from minor infractions like speeding to serious crimes—risk denial of entry or deportation. Although the government typically focuses on major crimes, consistency across travel documents is also crucial. For instance, information provided on the green card application must match that given on the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, which is required for most European travelers entering the U.S.

Although green card holders are allowed to remain outside the U.S. for up to 365 consecutive days, absences lasting longer than six months might trigger additional scrutiny. Such extended stays can also reset the residency period required to apply for citizenship.

Some green card holders who have been abroad for long periods reported being pressured by Customs and Border Protection agents to surrender their status. Some have even been presented with forms designed for relinquishing permanent resident status. Legal experts say border agents are increasingly treating permanent residents similarly to temporary visitors or students—often acting as both judge and jury.

A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection clarified that these surrender forms are only provided to permanent residents who arrive from abroad and voluntarily indicate their intent to give up their green cards.

For example, one New York green card holder recounted being detained at a Florida airport after returning from a three-month business trip overseeing a real estate project in Jamaica. During a secondary inspection, border agents questioned his residency, even presenting him with a form to abandon his status and apply instead for a work permit. He declined, was eventually allowed into the country, and has now returned to New York—though he described the experience as disheartening and reminiscent of no longer being welcome.

In another case, Cliona Ward, a 54-year-old green card holder from Santa Cruz, Calif., was detained at San Francisco International Airport on April 21, after returning from a week-long trip to Dublin. Despite having expunged felony convictions from 2007 and 2008 related to a past struggle with drug addiction—and maintaining nearly two decades of sobriety—she faced prolonged detention. Her family emphasized that she is a lawful permanent resident, a taxpayer, and an active member of her community.

She has now been held for a week with no hearing date set. Immigration authorities have not publicly commented on her case or provided access to any official criminal records.

Broader U.S. Travel and Immigration Measures

As part of its hardline immigration agenda, the Trump administration has introduced “advanced vetting” procedures at border checkpoints. These measures, which involve the detention and potential deportation of tourists, have prompted allied nations—such as Germany—to update travel advisories for their citizens visiting the United States.

Additionally, in April, the Department of Homeland Security announced new screenings of immigrants’ social media accounts to detect antisemitism. Applicants for green cards, as well as foreign students and other immigrants affiliated with educational institutions, are subject to this check. The agency stated that any endorsement or promotion of antisemitic terrorism could be grounds for denying immigration benefits. Recently, several arrests have been made under this policy, affecting both green card holders and individuals with student visas involved in pro-Palestinian protests on campuses.

Recommended Precautions for Green Card Holders

Experts advise that any green card holder planning to be abroad for six months or longer should apply for a re-entry permit. This permit allows permanent residents to return to the U.S. after up to two years outside the country, serving as evidence that they do not intend to abandon their legal status. If the permit is not received before departing, travelers should at least carry the application receipt.

Additionally, frequent travelers among green card holders are encouraged to apply for the Global Entry program offered by Customs and Border Protection, which expedites the re-entry process into the United States.

This overview highlights the importance for green card holders to stay updated on their rights and take necessary precautions amid evolving immigration enforcement policies.