Legal Question in Immigration Law in Washington

Panama US Citizenship

I was born in Panama in 1953

Both of my parents are Panamanian, Not US citizens. My mom moved us to the US when I was 17 years old. I have a green card, but I haven't renewed it since 1970.

1) Is my green card still valid?

2) Will I have any problems going out of the country (to Panama on my Panamanian Passport) and returning?

3) Recently I disclosed I haven't filed taxes since 1990 because I don't make enough money.


Asked on 10/21/08, 6:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thuong-Tri Nguyen Thuong-Tri Legal Services, PLLC

Should see an attorney

You likely should review your facts and options with an attorney.

The older styles of green cards do not have expiration dates printed on them. Even for holders of the styles with expiration dates printed on them, the holder's status as legal permanent resident does not expire on the expiration date. For an LPR to lose residency, there must be government action to rescind the status or abandonment of status by the LPR.

If you truly have not been making below the filing requirements, you are waived from filing income tax returns. However, I do not believe the rules regarding waiver of filing have been in existence since 1990.

There are many bases for an LPR to lose status.

For your own protection, you may want to review with an attorney to make sure that you have not inadvertently become eligible for removal/deportation/inadmission.

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Answered on 10/21/08, 7:00 pm


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