Avoid Surprises at Customs: What Green Card Holders Should Know About International Travel

We are re-visiting this popular topic with more tips for green card holders returning to the U.S., as they are facing more scrutiny in 2025, when returning to the U.S. from any international travel.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is looking more closely into travelers with past legal issues or extended absences, and there’s a growing expectation to carry proof of ties to the U.S., like tax returns or lease agreements.

Green card holders are required to maintain continuous residence in the U.S. and extended or frequent trips abroad—especially those lasting over 180 days—can trigger a presumption of abandonment of permanent resident status.

Here are 5 key items that green card holders should be aware of when returning to the United States after temporary foreign travel. They should consult with an immigration attorney to see if any of the flags could apply to them.

Tip #1: Have Proof of Ties to the United States

Green card holders may be questioned by CBP about their ties and continuous residency in the United States. To help prevent complications, it may be wise for such individuals to present strong evidence of continued residence in the U.S., such as recent tax returns, employment verification, valid driver’s license, mortgage or lease agreements, and utility bills, to demonstrate that you have not abandoned your residency.  Also consider only short trips of a maximum of  a couple of weeks, to avoid any implication that you have abandoned your job or other ties to the U.S.

Even trips as short as three months can raise questions about your ties to the U.S.

Tip #2: CBP Officers Are Tracking Travel History

Be ready to explain your reasons for travel.  Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are closely reviewing the travel history of green card holders, with a close eye toward frequent or extended trips abroad. Long absences from the United States (of 6 months or longer) can lead to longer screening and questioning.

CBP officers have questioned travelers wanting to know the purpose for their trip abroad, the length of their absence, and whether their primary residence is in the U.S. or another country.

Be prepared to clearly explain your answers to these questions.

Tip #3  Green Card Holders with Red Flags

A green card holder with red flags is someone who has factors that may raise concerns with immigration authorities—such as a criminal history, past immigration violations, long or frequent trips abroad, or inconsistent travel explanations—that could lead to increased questioning, delays, or even challenges to their permanent resident status. Anyone with these flags should consult with an immigration attorney.

Factors raising red flags include:

• Traveling with an expired driver’s license

• Past arrests, charges, or convictions

• Having no bank accounts in the United States

• No recent work history in the United States

• No close family in the United States

Tip #4 Compliance with Annual Tax Filings

The IRS is collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to share taxpayer information as part of broader efforts to identify and investigate immigration violations and tax-related crimes.

This partnership allows ICE to access financial data, including tax returns and income records, which can be used to track individuals suspected of fraud, tax evasion, or other illegal activities.

Failure to file annual taxes as a green card holder is a serious violation that can lead to legal issues and may jeopardize your immigration status.

Be careful when filing your taxes—do not file as a non-resident if you are a green card holder. Always consult with a CPA or tax professional to ensure your tax filings are accurate and compliant with your status.

Tip #5 – Consider applying for U.S. Citizenship

If you are eligible to naturalize to a U.S. citizen, now is the time to consider applying. Some people suspect that the citizenship requirements could undergo some changes in the future, making it more difficult for some applicants to qualify.  We suggest consulting to see if citizenship is the best step to avoid some of these travel restrictions and screenings that apply to green card holders and non-immigrants.

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