Reddit recently triggered a discussion online after sharing their decision to voluntarily leave their American green card and quoted a number of reasons from high taxes to frustrating immigration procedures.
In the post that gained significant traction, the user wrote: “Today I received the official confirmation that leaving my green card was recorded after submitting the form I-407. I felt really happy and relieved after receiving this email.
The user of Argentina, who now lives in the Middle East, has developed his reasons to give up permanent residence, quotes “high tax, annoying to fill taxes every year, tired of negotiations with monkeys during the secondary inspection at the airport, higher salaries than in the US in other parts of the world”. The author shared that their backup plan is moving back to Argentina.
Their perspective resonated with some and caused, among other things, curiosity. Another user responded in the discussion thread: “My wife and I are considering it.
The voluntary abandonment of the US permanent residence, although it is not a daily incidence, is not completely unusual. Many green card holders give up their position for tax burden on US global tax system, lengthy and complex immigration processes and better career prospects in other countries.
Although there are considerable concerns among Green Card holders in the middle of President Donald Trump's intervention against immigrants, no specific data on the renunciation of the Green Card are available.
Under US law, the holders of green cards who want to give up their status have to submit the I-407 form, to record the abandonment of the status of a permanent resident. After processing, they will officially lose the status of a permanent resident, but can still visit the US with a visa or as part of a visa for the program, depending on their nationality.
Reddit Post emphasizes the movements of immigration in the US, where some individuals no longer see America as the final goal for economic success and stability. With increasing global opportunities, higher salaries abroad and bureaucratic obstacles in the US, some green card holders reconsider whether the benefits outweigh challenges.
