Recent media coverage has sparked concerns about international travelers entering the US, including the possibility of delays or denials at the US border, especially for travelers with ties to certain countries or political issues. While headlines may amplify isolated incidents, it is important to understand what the actual risks are, and are not, for different categories of travelers. The looming threat of a travel ban being instituted for nationals of certain countries by the Trump administration may also impact some foreign nationals, even if they have valid visas, potentially preventing them from re-entering the country should the ban be imposed while they are outside of the US. In an effort to provide clarity and help travelers make informed decisions before planning a trip abroad, we are providing a brief guide in an effort to minimize concerns and flag any potential areas of concern.

As an immigration attorney, it gives me great joy to tell our clients that their Green Cards (giving them permanent residency status in the US) have been approved. My husband is himself a Green Card holder so I know firsthand how important the freedom and security that permanent residency in the US provides for immigrants; at the same time, it’s also important for Green Card holders to know their rights and responsibilities as permanent residents—including how to maintain their permanent residency to ensure that they keep their Green Cards and, if they so desire, apply for citizenship down the road!

The following dialogue is a fictional example of a conversation I often have with our clients about maintaining permanent residency. (No Daryanani & Bland client information is used or revealed and any similarity to real people is entirely coincidental!).