Vickerstaff Law Office

Call For An Initial Consultation

Local: 502-442-2039 Toll-Free: 888-832-2944
Vickerstaff Law Office

Call For An Initial Consultation

Local: 502-442-2039
Toll-Free: 888-832-2944

Louisville, Kentucky, Immigration Lawyer

Louisville, Kentucky, Immigration Lawyer

Could you lose your green card in a divorce?

On Behalf of | Jan 14, 2025 | family immigration

There are several ways to obtain a green card, one of which is through marriage. If you are not a U.S. citizen but marry someone who is, they can help you obtain a green card so that you can become a permanent resident.

However, you may be worried about the possibility of divorce. If your spouse files for divorce, does that mean you risk being deported or losing your status? Could you lose your green card since you obtained it through marriage in the first place?

You can often keep your green card

It is understandable to feel concerned, but the truth is that you can often retain your green card even after a divorce. Just because your marriage ends does not mean you will automatically be deported or lose your status as a permanent resident.

The issue arises if the government suspects that your marriage may have been fraudulent. For example, if you get divorced just days after receiving your green card, they may believe the marriage was solely for immigration purposes and that the relationship was never genuine. This is one reason why the government sometimes conducts green card marriage interviews to verify the authenticity of the relationship.

However, if your marriage was authentic and simply ended naturally, this does not mean you defrauded the immigration system. In such cases, your green card and your status should remain secure.

Understanding your legal rights

Divorce and immigration matters can create a complex situation. It is crucial to understand your legal rights and take the necessary steps to protect your future in the U.S.