Public sentiment on U.S. citizenship immigration policies is highly mixed, with a notable divide. Many individuals express gratitude for resources aiding their citizenship journey, while simultaneously voicing fears about new vetting processes and policy changes, particularly regarding the controversial revival of neighborhood checks. This has sparked anger and skepticism towards the current administration's actions, with a significant number calling for a focus on opportunities within their home countries. Overall, there is a strong feeling of alarm regarding the perceived lack of transparency and fairness in the immigration system.

USCIS

Current U.S. Administration

Immigrant Communities

Indian Citizens

Maybe we should have this to make people keep citizenship instead. Immigrants on average commit less crime and are more of a net positive for society

Dull-Truck-3718

I can't believe this wasn't already in place. All you need is consistent work history or to take care of family. And pay your taxes. That's a low bar.

KesefCollector

Smooth-Database2959

This is a great thing, I just hope it's properly enforced and truly help those who demonstrate those "good deeds" and not to harm them

retiredlifelonggamer

Good deeds need to include accepting Christ as Lord and Savior, as we are a Christian nation

dallaquif

This is great! This will help encourage good behaviour and create a better environment. It should have been in place already. We should all be contributing to society.

Exact_Gazelle6641

There are no new rules. They’re just BS’ing you to fuel their power trips.

Kiwiatx

Immigration paralegal here. They are making shit up as they go along. A client was threatened today with having his green card yanked even though he has a valid reentry permit. CBP is banking on people not knowing their rights.

evaluna1968

Pretty scary, but CBP cannot take your Green Card away. Only a judge can do that.

thisisitfornow

For what it’s worth, the naturalization rules are written down. Basically you have to have spent more than half your time in the US over the five years before you file (three years if you can use marriage to a USC). And each absence must be no more than 6 months, or sometimes 6-12 months with an acceptable explanation and continuous ties to the US. Interestingly for this case, extended travel abroad for a US employer is one of the acceptable explanations (with a continuous US residence).

chipsdad

Came to a different U.S. 4 months a lot has changed

[deleted]

That is absolutely crazy. They must have been lying to you because there’s literally nowhere that says it’s 4 months now

arabchickk

Current environment is hostile but laws and regulations haven't changed. Directions and enforcement priorities have changed though. The principle remains the same: a permanent resident needs to live in the US. 

The Law says that absences of less than 1 year do not break continuous residency automatically. The usual practice has been:
- less than 6 months: welcome home
- 6-12 months: questioning your absence
- &gt; 12 months: notice to appear vs relinquish green card

In any situation, the cbp officer has the prerogative to do something else if the situation warrants it. 

For instance, coming back every 5 months for 1 week but staying most of the time outside of the US  for a few times can get your "welcome home" substituted for an interrogation... and if it goes wrong, or it is not the first time I can deteriorate to a NTA.

When you have been outside of the US for over 1 year, the burden of proof that you have kept the US residency is on you... If it's less than that, the burden of proof that you have broken your residency is on them.

MycologistNeither470

I work in immigration. It’s not true. The rule is still same - if you spend a year outside the U.S. you need to procure a re-entry permit. Due to unforeseen circumstances or work or school, it happens.

You are not recommended to stay more than 6 months outside the U.S. to avoid CBP giving you a hard time, but as long as you have ties to the U.S. that you can demonstrate, you will be fine.

Friendly reminder not to sign anything or surrender anything even if they scare you that you may have to. They cannot revoke your residency. 

I tell clients all the time: if they bring up a past criminal offense, don’t sign anything. If they hassle you becaude you travel too much, only an immigration judge can revoke your residency.

If you are out of the country for more than 6 months but less than a year, that is not loss for residency, but they cannot revoke your give you a hard time but they cannot revoke anything. They may ask you to come back for a CBP interview or contact USCIS, but at the end of the day, as long as you establish you have actual ties and residence to the U.S. 

We have clients who pursue education abroad or have to go abroad for work for periods of time, but they have a home here, pay their taxes, and have ties such as family or their employer, etc. As long ad you can prove that.

We have retired clients who maintain residence in both the U.S. and their home country and divide their time equally between both, and they are fine. CBP may try to give a hard time, but they cannot revoke.

And again, if you may be gone closer to a year due to work or school, get a re-entry permit.

Gintami

chuang_415

In dark times, those immigration agents feel so incredibly empowered. It is alarming and dangerous. Same with ICE or the police. The USA has entered a dark chapter of its history

Hot-Delivery6637

I haven't heard of this and I think looking for information to verify this would be a waste of time. We are under the Trump Admin and they are playing fast and loose just don't care. Be careful, because it's all arbitrary under this Admin.

Conscious-Pick8002

When I travelled through AUH with my work visa, I was asked and harassed with non sensible questions. Like why did I switch jobs in 2023, but had my 2022 work visa applied for 3 years with the previous employer. Well, thats just how H1B works, you apply for 3 years. But no, they wont take that answer. Bunch of stupid questions like this, took us to a separate room and made us miss the flight. And the response at the end was just like yours: "This time we are letting you go". Lol, immigration is suddenly so nice. They'll accuse you of being illegal and then be like Jesus, I forgive you.

im_nightshade

Our attorney told us this week they've been hearing an unwritten rule of 3 months. Apparently it's happening.

Front_Associate3640

During trumps first term with my green card , I never left the US.

Bubbly-Repair-1312

A while back they told me the information I was giving them didn’t match what was on my record. They told me my parents names were different I was very confused I showed them every ID I had then the officer told me that a lot of people use fake immigration documents and let me through. I think they were just trying to catch you in a lie.

TrifleHorror7326

They lie, it's how they interrogate. See if you admit to anything.

Adventurous_Turnip89



The reason they "let you go" is because they actually know it's bullshit and wouldn't hold up. This was a power trip. 

Just in case, get yourself an immigration lawyer on retainer. I did, and I am a naturalized citizen. I carry his phone number with me just in case.

IndoorVoice2025

Always remember that CBP can lie and frequently do lie. They are not there to give out correct information. They are not there to be helpful.

Do NOT trust their statements especially when it comes to anything you know is wrong. They will even call your friend or family in the U.S. and lie about what you have said.

Flat_Shame_2377

That’s not a new rule. Maybe you got a rookie officer.

FlamingoEarringo

You aren’t subject to inadmissibility grounds unless you’ve been out of the USA for 180 days, they can’t take your card without a hearing, so ask to be served an NTA that won’t be worth the paper it’s printed on.

Leading_Ring9371

I was just told basically the same thing about my wife. Except this guy says I need a reentry permit. That form 327, which says any stay over 1 year. I called consulate and they said the same. I am retiring in 5 months and am scared to death they won't let my family in. I don't believe they have any idea what is happening.

Melodic_Lawyer9634

If there was a new rule there would have a bulletin issued. You should have asked for the bulletin number. I doubt he would have provided it to you because it doesn’t exist

Shogg86

If every year you plan on being out of the country for 5 months at a time USCIS can deny you getting citizenship based off that but as far CBP all they can do is try is try to get you to abandon your green card. Now the work around to all that is to apply for a re-entry permit its costly but allows you to be out of the US for an extended period without issues from CBP and shows USCIS that you never planned on abandoning your status and puts you in good standing for citizenship. Unfortunately, you will at times get really bad Cbp officers that dont know the law and try to bully / talk down to individuals. In those instances, just yes sir/mam take your documents and continue on sometimes its not even worth trying to reason or get more info from those officers.

Firm_Till5210

[https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/international-travel-as-a-permanent-resident](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-we-grant-your-green-card/international-travel-as-a-permanent-resident)

it's 1/one year. more than apply for I-131.

NoEggs2025

Unfortunately rules and regulations don't matter at this time. His last administration, I knew my criminal record, I'd be targeted so I started doing research. I came across a law that passed in 2021 called the Child Citizenship Act of 2021. That law made it where if at least one of your parents became a citizen before you turned 18, you also would gain citizenship through a process called derived citizenship. I called multiple immigration lawyers and even they were unsure of the law.

I was 16 when the law passed and my dad became a citizen in '98. So with this knowledge of this law I went down to the Auditor's office and applied for a passport (I didn't want to get a citizenship certificate because it cost more and you can't travel with it). The workers there had no idea what I was talking about. They called their supervisors and even they were confused. Took me over a year but I successfully petitioned for my citizenship and was granted a passport. 

I say all of that to say, be your own advocate...study the laws and protect yourself because they won't. I reapplied for my green card several years before this and after that law passed and even the INS didn't inform me I was already a citizen. They were happy to take my money and send me on my way

2npac

https://www.klaskolaw.com/2025-reentry-risks-lawful-permanent-residents-after-extended-travel/

Elegant_Strength_797

It’s the first time I’m hearing this. Either way best to err on the side of caution.

CatMomma_134340

I see people here saying "they can't do that".  

Yet, what if they do. What if they make shit up, detain you, deport you. What chance of justice?

Cultural_Hamster_362

OP, how much longer until you can apply for citizenship?

mattyofurniture

I stg LAX agents know nothing. I’m a TN holder and the guy was stumped at what it was.

jansuesq

There are no new laws. This administration just creates its own laws.

Comedian_Economy

kelontongan

I would be asking for a valid copy of the new rules for my records and for traveling. They cannot enforce something there is no proof of existence.

AshamedAward5

Thered_devil94

Yep, they just made that up. No such rules exist.

timfountain4444

That rule is not available, it's invalid, it's false, it's not exist. There's no rules

GamerBeast954

I sure they are being told to scare people and to take peoples green cards away. This administration is doing whatever they feel like it. Making up rules as they go

UseRude1793

I'm a naturalized citizen married to a green card holder. Went through immigration about 1 week ago at LAX with my wife to accompany her (been a bit worried with all the immigration news) it was smooth and nothing happened other than asking us where we went, how long and why. It was a sigh of relief.

Mindless-Cress2574

They make up rules on how well they emptied their bowels that morning before getting on that poe power chair for ruling judgements out of their ass.

suree1987

Rude_Judgment_5582

So I did some research on this and even though no specific rules have changed they are tightening scrutiny. There is an EO #14159 that allows for rigorous evaluation of whether the LPR's are maintaining proper residency. There is a lower threshold for what constitutes abandonment.


Any reason they think your a political activist and risk national security you could be stripped of your Green Card.


Starting Apr 11 certain non-citizens and LPR'S must register with USCIS under a new rule tied to National security.


File your taxes as a resident and avoid claiming non-resident status.


Hope this helps.

Mental-Exchange-7269

I am an immigration attorney and ex Asylum Officer. I have family that are LPRs. The issue at hand is that a Legal PERMANENT resident has stated they intend to reside in the US. There is a sliding scale of discretion that officers at the border exercise (even at USCIS, for citizenship). 
Customs issues B1/B2 visa stays for up to six months. So what is the difference between and LPR and a visitor if the LPR spends more time outside of the country - or even a significant amount of time outside the country - and a tourist?

Sometimes officers abuse their authority, and that is infuriating. Sometimes they outright break the law, and that is also infuriating and sad. 
But ultimately each officer has to exercise individual discretion. They are asked to be both compassionate, and just; and also to be suspicious and protective. That’s a hard line to walk yall. 

I personally gave my in laws the advice to not stay more than four months outside the US as well. The law is the law. People are people. People metaphorically walk right to the cliffs edge, and we are surprised when some fall off. 

Of course, you can become a citizen after 5 short years (less if you souse is a citizen) and travel wherever, for however long you want. 

If you don’t want your LPR status revoked by an officer having a bad day, or one that is very strict and rules oriented, or one who is just afraid and angry by a system they see abused every day (it happens) - you should follow the advice the nice officer (who did NOT revoke your status) gave you. 

Unable_Regret_8838

Many TSA are been douchebags. Always have been. 

That being said. My recent interaction re-entering the US was the easiest it's been in my 15 years of living here.

Crustytoeskin

A lot of these people are dumb as shit get paid crap and don't read the actual executive orders. 


I had to read the order back to them a few times before because they were completely wrong




Know the law, even if the law is fucked up, you are still better off knowing it

InfluenceEfficient77

CBP are minimum wage employees, same level as TSA.

Puteshestvennik3

I call BS because my wife’s green card was just renewed for 4 years. It says on her paperwork that she can’t stay out the country for more than a year.

RealisticHologram

This fucking administration is making their own rules as it feels

ZealousidealAd5817

There are many people that hold green card but basically come back to the US once a year to maintain residency and government benefits ( I am not saying that is you) that might be why they are getting suspicious of a person if they see that they have been gone for prolonged periods of time

Organic_Rub3924

nicoj2006

It was almost not more than 6 months never heard any changes.

Specific_Ad914

I was watching a speach of Vice President on birthright citizenship. In that he was very clear in saying that birth right citizenship should be provided only to the children of those parents who are living in this country permanently.  

My interpretation was that He said those who are stayng illegally, on visas will all be excluded from this list. It looks like having green-card and staying out of the country could be looked on by this government as intent for temporary stay. There is no written documentation which says all of the above. Again it's our word versus theirs and cannot be proved 

I am sorry that you had to undergo something like this.

sunMoonstar_786

LAX has the worst immigration officials that I know of. ( some people say Miami is worse )

This is nothing new - I've been hearing about perfectly legal entrants being harassed at LAX for *decades*.

scylla

This is super interesting to read as my partner and I are set to go between the US and our home country equally 6 months with our conditional green cards

lumosmxima

My parents had a similar experience. They said they’d be “on warning” for next time. Next time they came, nothing happened.

PolycrystallineOne

Had a friend come in the country that had a green card and was gone for 5 months  this morning. She had no problems or trouble with CPB. Not sure what happened here or if this is a true story 

This is the only thing this account has ever posted or commented on so I’m going to call this : never happened

Sonialove8

This current administration as you can see is overstepping their powers and making up their own rules and regulations.

It has long been established that green card holders are required to maintain their residency in the US for at least 6 months during an entire 12 month period.

This basically means in theory that you can travel freely and go out and come back to the US, because you are a resident, for no more than 6 months at a time or an aggregated period counting multiple trips.

If you exceed over 6 months and last up to 1 year out of the country, you would have been considered to have abandoned your residency and your residency could be taken away. 

This is why reentry permits that allow you to come back within that year exist and are encouraged to obtain if you are going to be away for more than 6 months. 

Given that you spent 5 months outside of the country and came back, you are giving the impression that you are trying to circumvent the rules by staying less than 6 months which is very close to the threshold.

Briscoetheque

This is not a new rule. We knew about it 9 years ago when we won the Green Card. We were told that we cannot be outside the US for more than 6 months so that there are no questions and no problems. This is necessary for taxes, pension, etc.

No_Article4444

Yeah LAX sux for returning LPRs. 

Those rules wrong

Mission-Carry-887

Don’t come here, it isn’t safe for anyone!

BillyJimBob76

It’s definitely not new, I used to work in immigration and an immigrant myself I often check the INA for changes and there’s been no updates for the 6 month rule.

Ok_Fee_2615

My understanding is "6 months over a rolling 3 year period"

Not sure if this correct but will be checking before we start a Europe trip in a couple of years

LeaTN

This happened to a friend last T administration. It’s also not true. They held her for questioning for 10 hours, she refused to sign anything.

Foreign-Shift3837

Ok spread false information. Seriously don’t believe everything that’s out on Reddit especially this made up story

rckperfect02

Almost all other countries do this. If you want to claim residency you have to physically BE in said country for the majority. If you don’t you get it stripped from you and you have to start all over. If they even let you. I travel all the time. This is the way 90% of the world is.

InteractionSome8965

If I’m out for more than a month from the US I will be homeless. 🤣

Mitz_bond

This is exactly why I always have my lawyer’s number on speed dial whenever I’m going through customs back into the U.S. You never know what kind of questions or issues might come up. 

save-the-animals_

I think the best thing to do in these situations is not to argue but also not to sign anything. If they are intent on bringing up charges, I believe you are allowed to request a hearing with an immigration judge.

Practical_Caramel234

Just don’t enter from airports that are known to give you a tough time. LAX Is the worst.

AnnualLanguage991

thank you for the heads up. I will share it with my friends who might benefit from it. BTW there is a permit you can apply for that might prevent this from being a problem again and also touches on the importance of demonstrating your strong ties living here. Green cards are for people who are serious about living here. It must've been a shock to hear them concerned about a five month stay, but it sounds like they are trying to be more diligent. It sounds like it would've been more honest to say that five months is awfully close to six months, be careful. Anyway, you could've looked this up yourself but I just thought I would pop the link here for you and anyone else who wanted to see the AI summary. For what it's worth.

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+long+can+you+be+away+from+the+United+States+if+you+have+a+green+card&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8&amp;hl=en-us&amp;client=safari

Separate_Aspect_9034

gelbing

More regular people need to infiltrate ICE and CBP to keep them honest and act as a shield

They just making shit up now? My Dad has a greencard and has been away for over 1 years due to family issues back in his home country.  Probably closer to 2 years he’s so old anyways I doubt he’s going to visit us but sounds like if he tried to come back he will messed with 100%.  They would try to strong arm him into signing the green card renunciation or jail him if he wants to see an immigration lawyer,

fantastic_damage101

It's always been "less than 6 months." Well, for the last couple decades anyway.

Time-County5658

The US is a nation under hypocrisy. Fucking hypocrites.

Aggravating-Thing733

How long do you have to maintain the 6 months per year? Is it throughout the entire green card process?

AznSillyNerd

You definitely want to document your trips. I think that when you apply for citizenship they ask how many times you were out and for how long and the countries you were at.

Savitr2020

My opinion is that the best solution, although it is long-term, it’s just never vote for a Republican. No exemptions. State county and local.

Sad-Way-4665

They are just power tripping. When I wanted to go to the US for a long time, I know its a 6-month maximum and I even told them that. These people ACTUALLY stamped a 3-month visa in my passport for NO REASON.

Necessary_Sail2616

garygigabytes

Yeah maybe getting a green card is finally considered a privilege? Not a luxury or a right?

GenericMuse_

There is absolutely zero rule that allowed for 6 months absence. 180 days of absence was a guideline and tolerated, but subject to interpretation of the individual immigration officer. There have been no changes that are publicly documented that would indicate a shorter time of allowed absence, but there might be internal guidance that doesn’t get published. 

You have instruments to prevent this. Get a re-entry permit ahead of travel to indicate you are coming back and are not abandoning your status.

AttitudePlastic3821

That’s a filthy trick by ICE to intimidate you

Logical-Employ-9692

Asked the interviewer who approved me recently “how long can I be out of the us “ (on a conditional green card) he said 1 year. I was surprised as I hadn’t read this before. Anyway I’ve had to come home and plan to be here at least 6mths, both children have lots of missed appointments we need to catch up on and 1 child is completing her high school finals  here. So I won’t be scare mongered - cbp has always hassled me regardless. But the green card issuing officer said 1 year.

Last_Conflict4565

Do you have global entry? I used the global entry app and was just waved through in a few seconds

rainbowaligator

You are looking at that 6 months. The rule/law is you are making the US your home.  If immigration believes you do not intend to be a US resident, it can be you are out only 2 months and they can pull your green card. They give 6 months as your reference and has been used in the past but rules and interpretation changes by each administration. They look at other factors also. Your purpose of travel etc.

Boliviascott

Immigration can do whatever it wants.  Immigration law no longer exists. If they don't like a green card holder that person will be in big trouble.  It's only a matter of time before U.S.-born people will be removed from the country because of their opinions

Deep-Meeting8930

I had something similar happen to me back in January of 2007.  I had gotten my permanent residence approved towards the end of ‘06, and traveled to what is now home with a stop in HOU. 
The customs agent was SO mad that I didn’t just up and leave my country of origin as soon as my gc was approved I guess, because she started raising her voice asking why I hadn’t been in the US for so long (it had been about a month) and that I could lose my residence, and me being an annoying little jerk back then immediately matched her energy giving zero fucks, and said: “well, It’s only been, what, a month? I thought it was a six-month limit, not a month.”  
Another agent overheard our lovely conversation, came by, took over and let me through right away.

ShyLion303

I feel like DHS, CBP, and ICE are (and have always been) ran by people who run fast and loose without full knowledge of the letter of the law or with complete factual information. They definitely are not detailed orientated. 

Case in point:
 https://share.google/Xrm1KYUEL5aVPyIES
Customs took a shipment of OnePlus buds, claiming they're counterfeit AirPods. They doubled down on their claim, when it's really not their place.

Sleepyhead510

Be careful because they physically stripped my dad of his green card during the first admin bc of made up shit like this. 

Interrogating an elderly man for hours in the ATL airport, who spent his entire adult life here being a better resident than most citizens.

TALegitimate_Scar_39

So how the fuck does this work for someone in the military that PCS overseas and brings their greencard holding spouse with them? Spouse has to take an unnecessary trip back to the US?

scp-006-j-5

USCIS is reviving 'neighborhood checks' to vet citizenship applications, raising concerns over the implications for immigrant communities regarding their 'good moral character'.

US Citizenship Immigration Policy Changes

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