As highly sought after as a green card can be, once you have it, it is easy to forget about. You do not use your card very often, especially if you have a steady job. You may not remember to get it renewed before it expires. You are unlikely to be deported over an expired green card, unless it is conditional. However, an expired card may cause problems.
Technically you are required to carry your green card at all times, but most people don’t. A person would rarely be asked for their card in an everyday situation, but we are living in a changing world. You cannot be deported over an expired green card unless it is a conditional card. Although it cost over $500 to get your green card renewed it is definitely worth it to avoid problems in the first place.
Conditional Green Card
A conditional green card is issued when you marry an American citizen. A conditional green card expires after two years and you should apply for a permanent card at least six months before your conditional card expires. If your conditional green card expires you may be deported.Â
What Problems you may Experience
Although you may not actually be deported, having an expired green card can cause hassles and hold-ups.
Employment
If you are seeking employment, you will need your green card to get a job in the United States and many employers will not hire you if your green card is expired. If your job requires a professional license, chances are you will not be able to obtain one without a green card in the state of Arizona. Arizona is a state that requires licenses for many different jobs. In fact, licenses are required for 68 different professions, many of which are low income.
Flying
If you are traveling outside of the United States when your green card expires, your airline has the option of not letting you board. In order to avoid this situation, you will want to get a temporary evidence stamp on your passport before you leave the US. This stamp is issued to people who are awaiting renewal of a green card. If you are traveling outside the United States when your card expires, you can also get a travel letter from the U.S. Consulate in which you are traveling.
If your green card has expired, Scottsdale immigration lawyer Lemuel A. Carlos can help you renew it. He can also assist you with any problems your expired card may have caused you.
There are many benefits to having a current green card. You can get health care, a job, and an education. If you want to take full advantage of the land of opportunity, it is a good idea to keep your green card current at all times.
 Authoritative Sources:
https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted/renew-a-green-card
