May 8th, 2025 at 05:35 am

7 Common Mistakes That Can Lead to U.S. Visa or Green Card Revocation

USCIS warns that violating visa conditions or committing offenses can lead to revocation. Avoid overstays and illegal work to protect your U.S. status. Here are the top mistakes you must avoid to stay compliant.

Living in the United States on a visa or Green Card requires diligence. Your status isn’t guaranteed indefinitely, so staying informed is key. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently cautioned against actions that can lead to serious consequences. These consequences include losing your right to stay in the country.

Green Card and Visa Revocation

USCIS has clear guidelines for maintaining your Green Card or visa status. Maintaining legal status is crucial, so follow the rules carefully. Actions violating your entry terms or compromising national security can cancel your immigration privileges.

Here are seven key reasons your visa or Green Card could be revoked. These reasons are especially relevant under stricter immigration rules.

1. Breaking U.S. Laws

• Committing crimes, from felonies to misdemeanors, can result in immigration status revocation. USCIS emphasizes that legal violations breach trust. This breach may lead to deportation proceedings and severe penalties.
• Why It Matters: A criminal record shows you’re a risk to public safety. Even minor offenses may have serious immigration consequences. These consequences include removal and future re-entry bans.

2. Supporting Terrorism or Extremist Groups

• Involvement in terrorist activities, direct or indirect, is a fast way to lose U.S. residency or a visa. This includes sharing propaganda or donating to extremist causes. Associating with banned organizations also poses a risk.
• Why It Matters: National security is a top priority for the United States. USCIS has zero tolerance for any activity linked to terrorism or extremist ideologies. Even online activity or social media support can raise red flags.

3. Overstaying Your Visa

• Staying in the U.S. after your visa expires violates stay conditions. This can trigger automatic visa cancellation and deportation. It can also lead to future re-entry bans, affecting future travel.
• Why It Matters: Overstaying breaks the terms of your visa agreement with the U.S. government. It can affect future applications, making you ineligible for status adjustment or re-entry for years.

4. Working Illegally

• Non-immigrants taking unauthorized employment risk visa cancellation. This applies whether the employment is paid or unpaid. Green Card holders must also abide by employment laws. Avoid fraudulent work arrangements to stay compliant.
• Why It Matters: Immigration officials take unauthorized employment very seriously. It can result in the immediate cancellation of your status. It will also significantly impact future visa approvals.

5. Lying on Your Immigration Application

• Providing false information on your visa or Green Card application is a federal offense. This includes using fake documents or omitting key details. If discovered, your status can be revoked and you may face criminal charges.
• Why It Matters: USCIS conducts extensive background checks to verify information. Any sign of fraud or dishonesty can disqualify you permanently. This will prevent you from living or working in the U.S.

6. Violating Conditions of Stay

• Each U.S. visa has specific conditions, such as studying full-time or not working. Violating these terms can lead to revocation. Switching from a student visa to a job without approval is a common violation.
• Why It Matters: Your visa is issued for a specific purpose, so adhere to the requirements. Violating its terms shows non-compliance, potentially leading to visa cancellation. Consult an attorney before making major changes to your stay purpose.

7. Becoming a Public Safety Concern

• Authorities can initiate removal proceedings if you pose a threat to public safety. This can result from repeated arrests or dangerous behavior that endangers others.
• Why It Matters: Immigration law prioritizes community safety and well-being. Any threat, real or perceived, gives the government grounds to revoke your legal right to remain.

Immigration Rules Got Tougher After Trump

The Trump administration reshaped the U.S. immigration landscape significantly. They tightened scrutiny on applications and increased deportations. They also expanded “inadmissibility” grounds, affecting many immigrants. Policies like “zero tolerance” made compliance more important than ever.

Even though the Biden administration rolled back some measures, stricter enforcement remains. This is especially true in cases involving fraud, criminal activity, or overstays. This legacy underscores the need for vigilance.

Final Thoughts

U.S. immigration laws are constantly evolving, so staying informed is vital. Follow the rules, act responsibly, and seek legal counsel when needed. A simple mistake can cost you your visa or Green Card. It can also jeopardize your future in the U.S., so be proactive.