Delia de la Garza's Legal Blog

If you were issued a “green card” between 1977 and 1989, chances are, your card does not have an expiration date.  USCIS has decided that, in the interest of national security, lawful permanent residents with this older edition of the green card, apply for a new one.  That being said, lawful permanent residents should understand that USCIS will be collecting your fingerprints and conducting a background search to review any criminal activity the applicant may have been involved in.  So, while the application to renew the green card is relatively simple, it is highly recommended that a lawful permanent resident consult with an attorney with respect to any circumstances that may make them deportable.  If you apply or have already applied to renew your green card, and USCIS is now requesting certified copies of your criminal record, you should consult with an attorney.  Only a qualified immigration attorney can help you understand the ramifications a conviction or deferred adjudication can have on your status as a lawful permanent resident.