Reentry Risks for Lawful Permanent Residents After Extended Travel: What You Should Know in 2025

As immigration enforcement tightens under the Trump Administration, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) should exercise increased caution when returning to the United States after extended international travel. In 2025, we are seeing heightened scrutiny by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), particularly at airports and ports of entry, for individuals returning after being abroad for more than six months.

Increased Screening and Tactics at the Border

The Trump Administration’s immigration policies have prompted CBP officers to more rigorously enforce reentry requirements for green card holders. Officers are now employing enhanced screening tactics, including detailed questioning, searches of personal devices, and careful review of travel duration and intent to maintain U.S. residence.

Permanent residents returning to the U.S. after spending more than six months abroad are no longer guaranteed a smooth reentry. Even with a valid green card, CBP may challenge your claim to permanent resident status if they believe you have abandoned your residence or stayed abroad too long without proper authorization.

Travel of Six Months or More: A Red Flag

An absence of more than 180 days from the U.S. raises legal presumptions under immigration law. CBP may determine that you have “abandoned” your lawful permanent resident status—particularly if you:

• Failed to maintain ties to the U.S. (such as housing, job, tax filings, or family),
• Had no reentry permit (Form I-131) or prior approval to remain outside the U.S. for an extended period,
• Indicated to officers that you were living abroad or had plans to return only temporarily to the U.S.

In such cases, returning residents may be subject to expedited removal, placed in removal (deportation) proceedings, or even detained while their admissibility is reviewed.

Case Example: Prolonged Stay Due to Medical Emergency

Consider the case of Mr. S., a green card holder from Fremont, California, who traveled to India in early 2024 to care for an ailing parent. His trip extended to nearly nine months due to a medical emergency and airline disruptions. Upon return, CBP flagged his extended absence and questioned him extensively about ties to the U.S. Luckily, he had a reentry permit, U.S. tax records, and property documents proving he never intended to abandon his residency. Without those, he might have faced removal proceedings.

What You Can Do to Minimize Risk

We do not share this information to alarm you, but rather to ensure you are informed and prepared. To avoid complications at the border:

• Limit international trips to under six months if possible.
• If extended travel is unavoidable, apply for a reentry permit before departure.
• If you’ve been abroad for over a year without a reentry permit, consider applying for a Returning Resident (SB-1) Visa at a U.S. consulate before reentry.
• Maintain U.S. ties—such as a residence, bank accounts, tax filings, and clear proof of intent to return.
• Be prepared to clearly explain the purpose and temporary nature of your trip, with supporting documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Legal Guidance Is Critical

If you’re planning an extended trip or are already outside the U.S. for more than six months, seek legal advice before returning. A misstep at the port of entry can jeopardize your green card—even if you’ve lived in the U.S. for many years.

At The Ahluwalia Firm, based in San Jose, California, we proudly serve green card holders throughout Santa Clara County—including Fremont, Sunnyvale, and other Bay Area communities—by helping them protect their permanent resident status during international travel.

Contact us to discuss your specific travel plans and safeguard your right to remain in the United States.