Archive · 25 Jan 2026
Traveling with Expired Green Card and Criminal History
A person with an expired green card and a minor criminal history asked if they can travel outside the US and come back.
They have a green card that was approved even though they had some old arrests for small amounts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, which were later dismissed.
An immigration lawyer said that as long as they have their expired green card, a valid extension letter, and a passport, they should be able to travel.
The lawyer also said that because the criminal cases were dismissed and USCIS already knew about them, it's unlikely to cause problems when coming back to the US.
However, they should still be prepared for extra questions from immigration officers.
A permanent US resident with an expired conditional green card and a minor criminal history asked about international travel.
The individual's criminal history includes dismissed cases for marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia in 2015.
USCIS approved the green card with full knowledge of the criminal record.
An immigration attorney advised that traveling with an expired green card, a valid I-751 extension letter, and a passport is generally acceptable.
Re-entry into the US is at the discretion of immigration officers, but minor dismissed convictions typically do not prevent re-entry.
- Who
- A permanent US resident with an expired conditional green card and a minor criminal history
- What
- Traveling internationally with an expired green card and criminal history
- When
- The individual's criminal history dates back to 2015
- Where
- The individual is a Mexican citizen married to a US citizen, and the criminal history is from Texas
- Why
- The individual wants to know if they can travel internationally and re-enter the US without issues
- Green Card Status
- Expired conditional green card with valid I-751 extension letter
- Criminal History
- Dismissed cases for marijuana possession and drug paraphernalia in 2015
- USCIS Knowledge
- USCIS approved green card with full knowledge of criminal record
- Travel Documents
- Expired green card, valid I-751 extension letter, and valid passport
- Re-entry Concerns
- Re-entry is at the discretion of immigration officers
- Recommended Precautions
- Travel through major ports of entry, consult immigration attorney