Before You Travel: How to Protect Yourself

Many permanent residents travel in and out of the U.S. for work, family, or personal reasons without incident. But if you have certain risk factors, it’s wise to take precautions before leaving the country. A short conversation with an immigration attorney before your trip can prevent serious problems when you return.

Who Should Consult an Attorney Before Traveling

It’s especially important to get legal advice if you:

• Have been outside the U.S. for more than six months in the past or plan to be gone for that long (USCIS travel guidance)
• Have any criminal convictions, even minor or old ones (INA §212(a)(2))
• Are currently in removal proceedings or have an open immigration case
• Have had issues with immigration documents in the past, such as lost or expired green cards
• Spent extended time living or working abroad that could make CBP question your U.S. ties

What Documents to Carry When You Return

• Valid green card (or ADIT/I-551 stamp if the card is lost, expired, or taken by CBP)
• Passport from your country of citizenship
• Proof of S. ties, such as:
  • Employment verification letter or recent pay stubs
  • Lease or mortgage documents
  • S. bank statements
  • Tax returns
• Contact information for your attorney

Plan Communication in Advance

If CBP detains you, contacting your attorney or family quickly can make a difference. Before traveling:

• Memorize key phone numbers (in case your phone is taken)
• Give your attorney your travel details and return date
• Consider signing Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative. This allows your attorney to communicate directly with CBP or USCIS about your case (USCIS Form G-28).

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) advises travelers with possible risk factors to prepare a “travel packet” — a folder with your green card, passport, proof of U.S. ties, and your lawyer’s contact information (AILA flyer). If you’re flagged for secondary inspection, having this ready can speed up the process and reduce stress.

How Verdin Law Can Help

If you are a lawful permanent resident, protecting your status requires both preparation and quick action when problems arise. Verdin Law offers both.

Before you travel, the firm can:

• Conduct a proactive legal review to identify risks before you leave the U.S.
• Advise on documents to carry and help prepare a “travel packet” for reentry (AILA guidance)
• File Form G-28 so CBP and USCIS know you have legal representation (USCIS Form G-28)

If you are detained, Verdin Law can:

• Provide emergency detention and bond representation, ensuring your rights are protected from the start
• Challenge attempts to take your green card or pressure you into signing Form I-407 (AILA Practice Alert)
• Represent you before an immigration judge if CBP issues a Notice to Appear
• Pursue green card reinstatement or I-407 reversals when abandonment was signed under pressure

In removal cases, the firm’s litigation team can:

• Defend against deportation in immigration court
• File appeals and motions to reopen where appropriate
• Navigate complex issues such as past convictions, prolonged absences, or alleged abandonment of status

Travel as a green card holder should be routine — but recent trends show that CBP is taking a closer look at some returning residents. By knowing your rights and preparing before you travel, you can protect your status and reduce the risk of detention or status loss.

Key reminders:

• You are not required to sign away your green card at the border
• CBP cannot remove you without a hearing before an immigration judge
• You have the right to contact your attorney and, if you wish, your consulate
• Preparation is your best defense — especially if you have potential risk factors

If you or someone you care about is detained at a U.S. port of entry, acting quickly can make all the difference.

Call us immediately at (214) 741-1700. The sooner you get experienced immigration counsel involved, the more options you’ll have to keep your residency safe.

This is Part 3 of a 3-part series on what to do if you’re stopped at a U.S. port of entry. In Part 1, we explain what can trigger CBP to question a green card holder’s return to the U.S., outline your key rights at the border, and show how to prepare so you don’t risk your permanent residency. And, in Part 2 we broke down exactly what happens in secondary inspection: what CBP can and cannot do, what your rights are if they search your devices, and why you should never sign away your green card without legal advice.

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