A Reddit user recently sparked an online discussion after sharing his decision to voluntarily abandon his American green card, citing a range of reasons ranging from taxes to frustrating immigration procedures.
In an article which has won an important traction, the user wrote: “Today, I received an official confirmation that my abandonment of the green card was recorded after the filing of form I-407. I felt really happy and relieved after receiving this email. The green card was more problems than for me.
The user, a citizen of Argentina, now living in the Middle East, has developed his reasons to abandon permanent residence, citing “a high tax, boring to fill taxes each year, tired of treating with monkeys in the secondary inspection at the airport, higher wages than in the United States in other parts of the world”. The author shared that their backup plan returns to Argentina.
Their perspective resonated with some and triggered curiosity among others. In the thread, another user replied: “My wife and I consider it. I am American (born here), and she is from another country and has a green card. We plan to return to his country of origin this fall to come.”
The voluntary abandonment of the permanent American residence, although it is not a daily event, is not quite rare. Many green cards holders give up their status due to tax charges associated with the United States’s global tax system, long and complex immigration processes and better career prospects in other countries.
However, although holders of green cards are important about their status in the midst of the repression of President Donald Trump against immigrants, there are no concrete figures available concerning renunciations for the status of green card.
Under the American law, the holders of green cards who wish to renounce their status must file form I-407, registration of the abandonment of a status of legal permanent resident. Once treated, they officially lose their status as a permanent resident but can always visit the United States with a visa or in a visa waiver program, depending on their nationality.
The Reddit Post highlights the changing perspectives on American immigration, where some individuals no longer consider America as the ultimate destination for economic success and stability. With growing global opportunities, higher wages abroad and bureaucratic obstacles in the United States, some green cards holders are reassessing if the advantages are prevailing on challenges.
