Cómo evitar abandonar el estatus de LPR

Angelica Rice • April 27, 2023

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      Esperó meses, tal vez incluso años, y finalmente tiene su tarjeta verde y es un residente permanente legal de los Estados Unidos, ¡sí!.

     Ahora quiere visitar a su familia en el extranjero, llegó el COVID, y luego su madre se enfermó, y después de todo eso, solo necesitaba unas vacaciones relajantes en una playa de Portugal, y lo que se suponía que iba a ser un viaje de 2 semanas se convirtió en una estancia de 8 meses. ¿Está en peligro de que los oficiales de la patrulla fronteriza de los EE. UU. piensen que abandonó su estatus de residente permanente legal (LPR)? Si es así, ¿qué hacer?, ¿cómo puede pasar un período prolongado fuera de los Estados Unidos, sin abandonar su estatus? Continúe leyendo para averiguarlo.


     No hay un período de tiempo fijo que desencadena el abandono, pero se considera que los LPR buscan readmisión si han estado ausentes de los Estados Unidos por un período continuo de más de 180 días. § 101(a)(13)(C)(ii). Aunque un LPR que regresa de una visita de más de 180 días está sujeto a motivos de inadmisibilidad y puede ser cuestionado por el posible abandono de su residencia, esto generalmente sólo surge cuando el LPR se ha ido por más de un año.

     Cuando un LPR ha estado en el extranjero de forma continua durante más de un año, se presume que se ha producido el abandono. 8 CFR § 211.1(a)(2). Pero esto se puede solucionar si el LPR demuestra que él o ella ha mantenido suficientes vínculos con los Estados Unidos y que nunca tuvo la intención de abandonar la residencia. Si encuentra que ha estado fuera de los Estados Unidos por más de un (1) año, se recomienda que solicite un permiso de reingreso. Un permiso de reingreso establece que no tuvo la intención de abandonar el estatus y le permite solicitar la admisión a los Estados Unidos después de viajar al exterior por hasta 2 años sin tener que obtener una visa de residente que regresa. Los permisos de reingreso normalmente son válidos por 2 años a partir de la fecha de emisión. Para obtener un permiso de reingreso, presente el Formulario I-131, solicitud de documento de viaje. Si es posible, debe presentar esta solicitud con bastante anticipación a su viaje planificado. Además, no puede presentar un Formulario I-131 para obtener un permiso de reingreso a menos que esté físicamente presente en los Estados Unidos cuando presente dicho formulario. También debe tomar sus datos biométricos antes de salir de los Estados Unidos; la biometría no se puede hacer fuera del país. Sin embargo, si presenta el I-131 y completa sus datos biométricos, puede salir de los EE. UU. mientras el I-131 está pendiente y, si se aprueba, el documento de viaje se puede enviar a una embajada de los EE. UU. en el extranjero para que lo recoja en el país extranjero. No necesita un permiso de reingreso si estará fuera de los EE. UU. menos de 1 año.


    Si no tiene un permiso de reingreso para volver a ingresar a los Estados Unidos después de un período prolongado de ausencia, es posible que pueda argumentar que no abandonó su estatus y presentar evidencia para respaldar su argumento al oficial de patrulla fronteriza en el puerto de entrada de los EE.UU. La evidencia para respaldar que ha mantenido su estado durante su tiempo fuera incluye, entre otros, prueba de incapacidad médica; muerte de un miembro de la familia; pagos de hipoteca de una casa en los EE. UU.; empleo en una empresa estadounidense en el extranjero; una licencia de conducir emitida en el último año y que refleje la misma dirección que la registrada en el Formulario I-94, Registro de Entrada y Salida; el nombre y la dirección del empleador estadounidense y evidencia de que se ha pagado un salario dentro de un período de tiempo razonable; evidencia de matrícula de sus niños en una escuela estadounidense; evidencia de que la visita prolongada al extranjero fue causada por circunstancias imprevistas; evidencia de una fecha de terminación de viaje predeterminada, como la graduación o el vencimiento del contrato de trabajo; evidencia de haber presentado declaraciones de impuestos sobre la renta de EE. UU. en los últimos años; y evidencia de propiedad, ya sea real o personal, en los Estados Unidos. 9 FAM 42.22 N. 1.3.


      Si no está seguro de si ha abandonado su estado LPR o si desea asesoramiento sobre viajes prolongados fuera de los Estados Unidos, comuníquese hoy con uno de nuestros abogados de inmigración altamente experimentados en el área.

Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar basado en cualquier información que aquí lea.

Why You Should Still Consider Coming to the United States—Despite Changing Immigration Policies

By Shirin Navabi • August 14, 2025
It’s no secret that the U.S. immigration system has faced increased scrutiny and change in recent months. From evolving policies to headlines filled with uncertainty, it’s understandable that many individuals are left wondering: Is this still the right time to pursue a future in the United States? The answer is yes—and here’s why. Despite the shifting political landscape, the core structure of U.S. immigration law remains firmly in place. While the process may appear more complex or demanding than it once was, the legal pathways to live, work, and thrive in the United States are still open and accessible to those who take the proper steps. What often gets lost in the conversation is that the United States remains a country built on innovation, creativity, and resilience. It continues to attract global talent, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals from all walks of life. Whether you are launching a business, advancing your career, or seeking a better life for your family, the United States offers unparalleled opportunities to those who are prepared and determined. Much of what makes the United States a global economic and technological leader today is the direct result of contributions made by immigrants. Nearly half of the current Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Immigrant entrepreneurs have long been an essential part of America’s economic success story. Some of the largest and most recognizable American companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. This includes household names such as Apple and Costco. Moderna, the pharmaceutical company and vaccine producer, was founded by a Canadian-born stem cell biologist, Derrick J. Rossi, whose parents themselves emigrated from Malta. These success stories are not outliers; they are part of a broader pattern that reflects the drive, innovation, and resilience that immigrants bring to the country. The United States also offers one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the world. It is a place where hard work, fresh ideas, and entrepreneurial vision are rewarded. For creative professionals, business leaders, and investors, the United States provides a unique platform to grow, connect, and gain global influence. Its competitive marketplace, access to capital, and culture of innovation create unmatched opportunities for those ready to seize them. While the immigration process requires careful planning, that process is far from impossible. Indeed, having strong legal guidance is one of the most effective advantages an applicant can possess. Immigration law is complex, and each case must be evaluated individually. A clear, strategic plan tailored to your background and goals can significantly improve your chances of success. What may feel like a hurdle at first glance is often navigable with solid preparation and documentation. At our immigration law firm, we have had the privilege of assisting individuals from all over the world as they navigate these complexities. Time and again, we have witnessed how determination, careful preparation, and experienced legal counsel can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help transform a vision for the future into reality. If you have been uncertain about whether to move forward, let this be your sign to take the next step. The United States is still a land of possibilities. If you are ready to take that step, now is the time to act. Let us build your path forward together.

DHS Terminates TPS for Honduras, Haiti, Nepal, Nicaragua & Cameroon

By Denice Flores • August 8, 2025
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal, Haiti, and Cameroon. These longstanding protections are set to expire, putting many individuals at risk of deportation.

The Secret Weapon in Your O-1A or EB-1A Petition: A Powerful Letter of Recommendation

By Shirin Navabi • July 17, 2025
For individuals applying under the O-1A or EB-1A categories , both reserved for professionals with extraordinary ability, letters of recommendation are a critical part of the petition. These expert testimonial letters offer valuable insight into your accomplishments, reputation, and influence within your field. When written properly, they help demonstrate that you truly stand out as someone who has risen to the very top of your profession. Many petitions submitted by highly accomplished individuals fall short because the recommendation letters are vague, overly personal, or fail to clearly explain why the applicant meets the legal standard of extraordinary ability. That is why taking the time to prepare your recommenders effectively is not just helpful. It is essential to build a strong and persuasive case. First, it is important to help your recommenders understand the purpose of the letter . This is not a casual reference or character recommendation. It is a formal declaration to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that you possess extraordinary ability in your area of expertise. The letter must describe your achievements in concrete terms and explain why your work has had a significant impact and recognition within your field. Many professionals, no matter how accomplished, are unfamiliar with the specific requirements of the O-1A and EB-1A categories. It is helpful to provide them with a short explanation of what is needed, and in some cases, a sample or outline to guide them. Selecting the right recommenders is just as critical as the content of the letters themselves. While USCIS gives greater weight to letters from independent experts, independence should not be confused with distance. The ideal recommender is someone who knows your work well and can provide specific and credible insight into your contributions, impact, and reputation in the field. A letter from someone who barely knows you, or one that focuses more on the recommender’s own accomplishments than yours, is unlikely to carry much weight with USCIS. A common mistake is submitting letters that read more like summaries of the recommender’s resume than a meaningful evaluation of your achievements. While a brief introduction of the recommender’s qualifications is important to establish credibility, the focus must remain squarely on you , your work, your innovation, and the ways in which your impact is considered extraordinary. The strongest letters go beyond general praise. They include clear and detailed examples of how your contributions have influenced others in your field or led to measurable outcomes. To make the letter as accurate and persuasive as possible, you should provide your recommenders with a summary of your most important professional milestones. This might include major awards, media coverage, patents, publications, notable leadership roles, or metrics showing the commercial or scientific success of your work. Well-prepared recommendation letters serve as both evidence and narrative. They help fulfill specific legal requirements and also tell the story of how and why your work has earned you distinction. In a category defined by terms like extraordinary ability, it is important that every part of your petition reinforces that standard. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we work closely with our clients and their recommenders to develop strong and compelling testimonial letters that meet USCIS expectations and highlight each applicant’s unique contributions.
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