Yes. Having a green card does not make someone immune to deportation. U.S. green card holders, also called lawful permanent residents, can be placed in removal (deportation) proceedings under specific circumstances defined by immigration law.

That said, deportation is not automatic, and the government must follow a legal process. Most green card holders keep their status for life, but certain actions, events, or allegations can put permanent residence at risk.

This guide explains when and how deportation can happen, what the legal process looks like, and why green card holders sometimes face issues at airports, during travel, or after criminal cases.

Why Green Card Holders Can Still Be Deported

A green card grants the right to live and work permanently in the United States, but it does not grant citizenship. Because of that distinction, Congress has given the federal government authority to remove permanent residents in defined situations.

In most cases, deportation only happens after:

  • The government formally charges the person as deportable, and
  • An immigration judge reviews the case

Common Reasons a Green Card Holder May Face Deportation

Criminal Convictions

Immigration law treats criminal convictions differently from how criminal courts do. Some offenses that seem minor can have serious immigration consequences.

A green card holder may be deportable for convictions involving:

  • Drug offenses (including marijuana, with limited exceptions)
  • Firearms offenses
  • Domestic violence or child abuse
  • Crimes involving fraud, theft, or dishonest conduct
  • Certain offenses classified as “aggravated felonies” under immigration law

Importantly, immigration law uses a broad definition of “conviction.” Some cases that were dismissed, deferred, or expunged under state law may still count for immigration purposes.

Immigration Fraud or Misrepresentation

A green card can be revoked if the government claims it was obtained through:

  • Marriage fraud
  • False statements in applications
  • Failure to disclose required information
  • False claims to U.S. citizenship

Only an immigration judge can ultimately revoke permanent resident status, but fraud allegations often trigger removal proceedings.

Abandonment of Permanent Residence

Green card holders are expected to make the United States their primary home.

Issues can arise if someone:

  • Remains outside the U.S. for more than six months at a time
  • Lives abroad for extended periods without maintaining U.S. ties
  • Files taxes as a nonresident
  • Appears to have moved permanently to another country

Extended travel is one of the most common situations where green card holders face questioning by border officials.

National Security or Foreign Policy Grounds

U.S. law allows deportation if the government claims a non-citizen poses a threat to national security or foreign policy interests. These provisions are rarely used but exist in federal statutes.

When invoked, such cases often involve complex legal disputes and court review.

What Happens During the Deportation Process?

Step 1: Notice to Appear (NTA)

The process usually begins when the government issues a Notice to Appear, a charging document that explains:

  • Why the government believes the person is deportable
  • The laws allegedly violated

This document officially starts an immigration court case.

Step 2: Immigration Court Proceedings

Once a case is in court:

  • The government has the burden of proof
  • It must show, by clear and convincing evidence, that the person is deportable
  • Only an immigration judge can order deportation or revoke a green card

Green card holders generally have the right to:

  • A hearing
  • Present evidence
  • Challenge the government’s claims

Step 3: Possible Defenses and Outcomes

Depending on the facts, some green card holders may qualify for:

  • Cancellation of removal
  • Waivers
  • Other forms of relief under immigration law

Eligibility depends on length of U.S. residence, criminal history, and other factors.

Why Airports and International Travel Can Be Risky

When returning from international travel, green card holders may be treated differently than people already inside the U.S.

At Airports and Borders

  • Border officers can send returning green card holders to secondary inspection
  • Officers may question travel history, criminal records, or residency ties
  • In certain situations, green card holders are treated as “seeking admission,” which gives the government broader authority

Some travelers report being pressured to sign Form I-407, a document that voluntarily abandons permanent resident status. Signing this form results in the loss of a green card.

How Deportation Rules Differ for Visa Holders

People in the U.S. on:

  • Student visas
  • Work visas
  • Tourist visas

can also be deported, often more easily than green card holders.

Visa holders may face removal for:

  • Visa overstays
  • Unauthorized employment
  • Status violations
  • Fraud or misrepresentation

Visa holders can also be denied entry at airports without the same court protections that apply to green card holders already inside the country.

What About Conditional Green Cards?

Some green card holders have conditional status, often based on recent marriage.

Conditional residents:

  • Have the same basic rights as other green card holders
  • Must apply to remove conditions within a specific time window
  • May face faster removal if conditions are not removed successfully

Key Takeaways

  • Yes, green card holders can be deported under U.S. law
  • Deportation usually requires a formal court process
  • Criminal convictions, fraud, abandonment, and certain security claims are common triggers
  • Travel outside the U.S. can increase scrutiny
  • Only an immigration judge can revoke permanent resident status
  • Rules and enforcement practices are administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, ICE, and CBP, and can change over time

Final Thought

A green card provides strong legal protection, but it is not the same as citizenship. Understanding the limits of permanent resident status and the situations that can put it at risk helps explain why deportation is legally possible, even for long-time residents.

This article is informational only. Immigration outcomes depend on individual facts and applicable law, which can vary by case and over time.