As stated previously, a green card is a life-time visa that allows a foreign national to freely leave and enter the U.S., provided that they travel within the statutory limits.  When green cards were issued in the 60’s through the early 90’s, there was no expiration dates the card, because the card was a “permanent card.”  Since the mid 90’s, the USCIS (formerly INS) started limiting validity dates to 10 years.  This is a process that allows the USCIS to monitor foreign nationals within the U.S. border.  The fact that a green card is “expired” does not mean that the person’s status is “expired.”  Even if the card is expired, the foreign national can always apply to renew their green card.  If they meet certain qualifications, they should get naturalized instead of replacing a green card.  Immigration law is constantly changing and until naturalized, the immigrant will always be under the scrutiny of Congress and USCIS.     

 

Contact the Houston Immigration Lawyers at Smith & Garg today for more on expired green cards.