What will happen if i try to renew my green card after 7 years of it being expired?

Immigration 4 views 4 answers
My green card has been expired since August of 2005. I have been a permanent resident for 35 years(came to the states when i was 3 months old). My mother has always kept my green card and when she died a few years ago my oldest sister cleaned out my mom's old house. Recently she found a box of my mother"s things and my green card was one of those things. I have been in some legal trouble in the past but nothing major. Grand theft charge about 7 or 8 years ago(felony) and deposit account fraud(felony)about 14 years ago. 2 DUI"s,one in 1997 and one in 1999. All cases are closed and i have nothing pending. I just would like to know if i will have any legal issues because i about to renew my green card. Any info will be helpful. Thank You.

Attorney Answers

4
Deborah Lynne KarapetianImmigration AttorneyGlendale, CA ·
There is no problem renewing late in your situation but with your criminal history you need to see an attorney before you file. Felonies can get you placed in removal proceedings.
0 upvotes
Giacomo Jacques BeharImmigration AttorneySan Diego, CACA licensed ·
You bet you'll face "issues".. If I were you now, I would drop everything and seek to schedule a consultation with an immigration lawyer in Atlanta and discuss all this in the privacy of the lawyer's office. Make sure to bring him/her all your court documents: what you'll need are the court's "final disposition" documents for each case you mentioned.
0 upvotes
Kevin Dixler ·
I agree with Mr. Behar, but think that this will take more than a brief consultation. More information is needed. Were you convicted "as a matter of immigration law" of grand theft and fraud? If so, these are significant convictions that can result in deportation. Some don't realize that they have a conviction as a matter of immigration law. Therefore, it is unclear whether relief is available where you were convicted of crimes. That is why you may not want to file for a renewal or travel outside United States. However, if you somehow qualify for and are granted what is called "cancellation,"then this can keep you in the U. S. Pleading for cancellation should be done by an experienced immigration attorney. In addition, you may have unknowingly derived citizenship through your parents naturalization, so there is hope. I strongly recommend you contact a candid, competent, and experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible.
0 upvotes
Robert Henry BeerImmigration AttorneyMarietta, GA ·
I agree with my colleagues. I'm in Atlanta. If I can help, please let me know. Please don't make a step without a lawyer! Hope this helps. Wishing your well.
0 upvotes

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