Nearly one year into the COVID-19 pandemic and many US green card holders are facing a difficult dilemma: risk losing their permanent resident status (and green card) or defy travel restrictions and put their and others’ health at risk. There are options to re-enter the US to maintain permanent resident status, of course with many considerations for specific situations.

Klasko employment-based attorneys Bill Stock and Oliver Yang discuss the options and factors to consider:
Can a green card holder re-enter the U.S. after spending more than one year abroad?
Can you lose your permanent resident status?
What can green card holders expect at a US port of entry?
When should you consult an immigration attorney?
Can the airline stop you from boarding the plane to the U.S.?
What is an SB-1 visa and how hard is it to get?

Speakers in this episode are:
 Oliver Yang
William A. Stock

Related resources:
COVID One Year Later: US Green Card Holders Still Abroad
Maintaining Permanent Resident Status during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Green Card Holder’s Guide to Travel, Residing Abroad and Preventing Loss of Permanent Residence
Returning Resident Visas

Stay connected with us:
Email questions to podcast@klaskolaw.com
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
Sign up for newsletter and email updates

Nearly one year into the COVID-19 pandemic and many US green card holders are facing a difficult dilemma: risk losing their permanent resident status (and green card) or defy travel restrictions and put their and others&rsquo; health at risk. There are options to re-enter the US to maintain permanent resident status, of course with many considerations for specific situations.
Klasko employment-based attorneys Bill Stock and Oliver Yang discuss the options and factors to consider:
<ul>
<li>Can a green card holder re-enter the U.S. after spending more than one year abroad?</li>
<li>Can you lose your permanent resident status?</li>
<li>What can green card holders expect at a US port of entry?</li>
<li>When should you consult an immigration attorney?</li>
<li>Can the airline stop you from boarding the plane to the U.S.?</li>
<li>What is an SB-1 visa and how hard is it to get?</li>
</ul>
Speakers in this episode are:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/team-member/f-oliver-yang/"> Oliver Yang</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/team-member/william-a-stock/">William A. Stock</a></li>
</ul>
Related resources:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/news-polotics/green-card-holders-returning-to-us-during-covid">COVID One Year Later: US Green Card Holders Still Abroad</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/article/maintaining-permanent-resident-status-covid-19-pandemic/">Maintaining Permanent Resident Status during the COVID-19 Pandemic</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/article/green-card-holders-guide-to-travel-residing-abroad-and-preventing-loss-of-permanent-residence-2/">Green Card Holder&rsquo;s Guide to Travel, Residing Abroad and Preventing Loss of Permanent Residence</a></li>
<li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/returning-resident.html">Returning Resident Visas</a></li>
</ul>
Stay connected with us:
<ul>
<li>Email questions to <a href="mailto:podcast@klaskolaw.com">podcast@klaskolaw.com</a></li>
<li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/klaskoimmigration/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KlaskoLaw">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/klaskoimmigrationlaw/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/klaskoimmigrationlaw/">Facebook</a></li>
<li>Sign up for <a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/contact-us/subscribe-updates/">newsletter and email updates</a></li>
</ul>

Welcome to Statutes of Liberty: An Immigration Podcast by Klasko Immigration Law Partners. 

The United States is many things: a great melting pot, a nation of immigrants, a land of opportunity. Millions have journeyed here seeking freedom and the chance for a better life. Belief in the American ideal means providing opportunities for everyone, regardless of race or birthplace, to achieve their highest potential. 

Join us as we unravel the ins and outs of American immigration policy, from the issues of today to the historic basis for laws already in place.

Statutes of Liberty

Join the attorneys of Klasko Immigration Law Partners in this podcast, Statutes of Liberty, as we unravel the ins and outs of American immigration policy, from the issues of today to the historic basis for laws already in place.

Join the attorneys of Klasko Immigration Law Partners in this podcast, Statutes of Liberty, as we unravel the ins and outs of American immigration policy, from the issues of today to the historic basis for laws already in place.

Nearly one year into the COVID-19 pandemic and many US green card holders are facing a difficult dilemma: risk losing their permanent resident status (and green card) or defy travel restrictions and put their and others’ health at risk. There are options to re-enter the US to maintain permanent resident status, of course with many considerations for specific situations.  Klasko employment-based attorneys Bill Stock and Oliver Yang discuss the options and factors to consider:  Can a green card holder re-enter the U.S. after spending more than one year abroad? Can you lose your permanent resident status? What can green card holders expect at a US port of entry? When should you consult an immigration attorney? Can the airline stop you from boarding the plane to the U.S.? What is an SB-1 visa and how hard is it to get?  Speakers in this episode are:  Oliver Yang William A. Stock  Related resources:  COVID One Year Later: US Green Card Holders Still Abroad Maintaining Permanent Resident Status during the COVID-19 Pandemic Green Card Holder’s Guide to Travel, Residing Abroad and Preventing Loss of Permanent Residence Returning Resident Visas

Episode 21: What Happens When a US Green Card Holder Gets Stuck Abroad

What does it actually take to trade in a green card for a US passport, and why might now be the right time to start that process?

In the first installment of a new two-part series on naturalization, host and attorney at Klasko Immigration Law Partners, Megan Kludt, is joined by Stacy Shore and Karuna Simbeck to break down what it means to become a US citizen, and why the topic feels especially timely right now.

Megan, Stacy, and Karuna walk through the practical advantages of naturalization, including:
Eliminating the need to renew a green card every ten years
Access to a US passport, which can ease international travel and reduce scrutiny at reentry
Protection from the removal and detention risks that lawful permanent residents can face
The right to vote in federal, state, and local elections
Eligibility for certain federal jobs, security clearances, and grants
An easier path to sponsoring family members
The option to retain citizenship in another country, since US law does not require giving it up

The conversation also covers eligibility and residency requirements, how continuous residence and physical presence are calculated, and why extended time outside the US can put an application at risk.

Whether you're a green card holder considering your next step or simply want to understand the process, this episode lays out the practical benefits, requirements, and process in becoming a US citizen.

Speakers on this episode are:
Megan Kludt, Senior Associate
Karuna Simbeck, Partner
Stacy Shore, Senior Counsel

Stay connected with us:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Sign up for our newsletter and email updates.
Schedule a consultation here.

What does it actually take to trade in a green card for a US passport, and why might now be the right time to start that process?
In the first installment of a new two-part series on naturalization, host and attorney at Klasko Immigration Law Partners, Megan Kludt, is joined by Stacy Shore and Karuna Simbeck to break down what it means to become a US citizen, and why the topic feels especially timely right now.
Megan, Stacy, and Karuna walk through the practical advantages of naturalization, including:
<ul>
<li>Eliminating the need to renew a green card every ten years</li>
<li>Access to a US passport, which can ease international travel and reduce scrutiny at reentry</li>
<li>Protection from the removal and detention risks that lawful permanent residents can face</li>
<li>The right to vote in federal, state, and local elections</li>
<li>Eligibility for certain federal jobs, security clearances, and grants</li>
<li>An easier path to sponsoring family members</li>
<li>The option to retain citizenship in another country, since US law does not require giving it up</li>
</ul>
The conversation also covers eligibility and residency requirements, how continuous residence and physical presence are calculated, and why extended time outside the US can put an application at risk.
Whether you're a green card holder considering your next step or simply want to understand the process, this episode lays out the practical benefits, requirements, and process in becoming a US citizen.
Speakers on this episode are:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/team/megan-kludt/">Megan Kludt</a>, Senior Associate</li>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/team/karuna-simbeck/">Karuna Simbeck</a>, Partner</li>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/team/stacy-shore/">Stacy Shore</a>, Senior Counsel</li>
</ul>
Stay connected with us:
<ul>
<li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/klaskoimmigration/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/klaskoimmigrationlaw/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/klaskoimmigrationlaw/">Facebook</a>.</li>
<li>Sign up for our <a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/subscribe/">newsletter and email updates</a>.</li>
<li>Schedule a consultation <a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/contact/">here</a>.</li>
</ul>

In the first installment of a new two-part series on naturalization, host and attorney at Klasko Immigration Law Partners, Megan Kludt, is joined by Stacy Shore and Karuna Simbeck to break down what it means to become a US citizen, and why the topic feels especially timely right now.

Episode 39: Becoming a US Citizen (Part 1): The Basics of Naturalization

What does USCIS's new approach to adjustment of status mean for green card applicants, and how does it reshape the choice between staying in the U.S. and processing abroad?

In this episode of Statutes of Liberty, host and Senior Associate at Klasko Immigration Law Partners, Natalia Gouz, is joined by Partner Jessica DeNisi, who brings additional insight from her background with the U.S. Department of State. Natalia and Jessica unpack USCIS's May 2026 policy memo on adjustment of status, examining what the memo says, what's played out in practice in the weeks since its release, and what it could mean for anyone weighing their green card options.

Natalia and Jessica walk through the firm's initial response to the memo, discuss the strategy of interfiling positive equities evidence into pending applications, and highlight why the policy shift carries particular weight for EB-5 investors, given the program's upcoming grandfathering deadline.

Additionally, they share what's been observed at adjustment of status interviews since the memo took effect, including new questions from officers, inconsistent approaches across field offices, and a mix of requests for evidence, rescheduled interviews, and approvals without incident. Drawing on her State Department background, Jessica also offers a detailed look at consular processing: how it differs from adjustment of status, how the timeline unfolds through the National Visa Center, and why switching from adjustment of status to consular processing later in the process is far more difficult than the reverse.

Whether you're weighing your own green card strategy or advising employees through this shift, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating USCIS's evolving discretionary framework.

Speakers on this episode are:
Natalia Gouz
Jessica DeNisi

Stay connected with us:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Sign up for our newsletter and email updates.
Schedule a consultation here.

What does USCIS's new approach to adjustment of status mean for green card applicants, and how does it reshape the choice between staying in the U.S. and processing abroad?
In this episode of Statutes of Liberty, host and Senior Associate at Klasko Immigration Law Partners, Natalia Gouz, is joined by Partner Jessica DeNisi, who brings additional insight from her background with the U.S. Department of State. Natalia and Jessica unpack USCIS's May 2026 policy memo on adjustment of status, examining what the memo says, what's played out in practice in the weeks since its release, and what it could mean for anyone weighing their green card options.
Natalia and Jessica walk through the firm's initial response to the memo, discuss the strategy of interfiling positive equities evidence into pending applications, and highlight why the policy shift carries particular weight for EB-5 investors, given the program's upcoming grandfathering deadline.
Additionally, they share what's been observed at adjustment of status interviews since the memo took effect, including new questions from officers, inconsistent approaches across field offices, and a mix of requests for evidence, rescheduled interviews, and approvals without incident. Drawing on her State Department background, Jessica also offers a detailed look at consular processing: how it differs from adjustment of status, how the timeline unfolds through the National Visa Center, and why switching from adjustment of status to consular processing later in the process is far more difficult than the reverse.
Whether you're weighing your own green card strategy or advising employees through this shift, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating USCIS's evolving discretionary framework.
Speakers on this episode are:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/team/natalia-gouz/">Natalia Gouz</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/team/jessica-denisi/">Jessica DeNisi</a></li>
</ul>
Stay connected with us:
<ul>
<li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/klaskoimmigration/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/klaskoimmigrationlaw/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/klaskoimmigrationlaw/">Facebook</a>.</li>
<li>Sign up for our <a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/subscribe/">newsletter and email updates</a>.</li>
<li>Schedule a consultation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/contact/">here</a>.</li>
</ul>

What does USCIS's new approach to adjustment of status mean for green card applicants, and how does it reshape the choice between staying in the U.S. and processing abroad? In this episode of Statutes of Liberty, host and Senior Associate at Klasko Immigration Law Partners, Natalia Gouz, is joined by Partner Jessica DeNisi, who brings additional insight from her background with the U.S. Department of State. Natalia and Jessica unpack USCIS's May 2026 policy memo on adjustment of status, examining what the memo says, what's played out in practice in the weeks since its release, and what it could mean for anyone weighing their green card options. Natalia and Jessica walk through the firm's initial response to the memo, discuss the strategy of interfiling positive equities evidence into pending applications, and highlight why the policy shift carries particular weight for EB-5 investors, given the program's upcoming grandfathering deadline. Additionally, they share what's been observed at adjustment of status interviews since the memo took effect, including new questions from officers, inconsistent approaches across field offices, and a mix of requests for evidence, rescheduled interviews, and approvals without incident. Drawing on her State Department background, Jessica also offers a detailed look at consular processing: how it differs from adjustment of status, how the timeline unfolds through the National Visa Center, and why switching from adjustment of status to consular processing later in the process is far more difficult than the reverse. Whether you're weighing your own green card strategy or advising employees through this shift, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating USCIS's evolving discretionary framework. Speakers on this episode are: •	Natalia Gouz  •	Jessica DeNisi Stay connected with us: •	Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. •	Sign up for our newsletter and email updates. •	Schedule a consultation here.

Episode 38: AOS or Consular Processing? What USCIS's Policy Shift Means for You

Your organization enrolled in E-Verify to strengthen compliance, but could that same program now be the source of your next government audit?

In the final episode of Klasko Immigration Law Partners' Worksite Compliance mini-series, host Nick Lowrey, Senior Associate in Klasko's Washington, D.C. office, is joined by John Fay, Director of Product Strategy at Equifax Workforce Solutions. With two decades of experience in I-9 and E-Verify compliance and a background that spans both law and technology, John brings a uniquely practical perspective to one of the most misunderstood enforcement tools currently being deployed against employers.

Nick and John break down what an E-Verify desk audit (officially called a "desk review") actually looks like in practice, including audit triggers, typical government requests, common pitfalls, and potential consequences of non-compliance. Whether you're a current E-Verify participant, considering enrollment, or simply trying to understand how worksite compliance enforcement is evolving, this episode offers a clear-eyed, practical guide to protecting your organization.

Speakers on this episode are:
Nick Lowrey, Klasko Immigration Law Partners
John Fay, Equifax Workforce Solutions

Stay connected with us:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Sign up for our newsletter and email updates.
Schedule a consultation here.

Connect with Equifax Workforce Solutions:
Learn more at equifax.com.
Follow on LinkedIn.

Your organization enrolled in E-Verify to strengthen compliance, but could that same program now be the source of your next government audit?
In the final episode of Klasko Immigration Law Partners' Worksite Compliance mini-series, host Nick Lowrey, Senior Associate in Klasko's Washington, D.C. office, is joined by John Fay, Director of Product Strategy at Equifax Workforce Solutions. With two decades of experience in I-9 and E-Verify compliance and a background that spans both law and technology, John brings a uniquely practical perspective to one of the most misunderstood enforcement tools currently being deployed against employers.
Nick and John break down what an E-Verify desk audit (officially called a "desk review") actually looks like in practice, including audit triggers, typical government requests, common pitfalls, and potential consequences of non-compliance. Whether you're a current E-Verify participant, considering enrollment, or simply trying to understand how worksite compliance enforcement is evolving, this episode offers a clear-eyed, practical guide to protecting your organization.
Speakers on this episode are:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/team/nick-lowrey/">Nick Lowrey</a>, Klasko Immigration Law Partners</li>
<li><a href="https://workforce.equifax.com/author/-/insight/author/john-fay">John Fay</a>, Equifax Workforce Solutions</li>
</ul>
Stay connected with us:
<ul>
<li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/klaskoimmigration/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/klaskoimmigrationlaw/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/klaskoimmigrationlaw/">Facebook</a>.</li>
<li>Sign up for our <a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/subscribe/">newsletter and email updates</a>.</li>
<li>Schedule a consultation <a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/contact/">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
Connect with Equifax Workforce Solutions:
<ul>
<li>Learn more at <a href="https://workforce.equifax.com/">equifax.com</a>.</li>
<li>Follow on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/efx-workforce-solutions/">LinkedIn</a>.</li>
</ul>

Your organization enrolled in E-Verify to strengthen compliance, but could that same program now be the source of your next government audit? In the final episode of Klasko Immigration Law Partners' Worksite Compliance mini-series, host Nick Lowrey, Senior Associate in Klasko's Washington, D.C. office, is joined by John Fay, Director of Product Strategy at Equifax Workforce Solutions. With two decades of experience in I-9 and E-Verify compliance and a background that spans both law and technology, John brings a uniquely practical perspective to one of the most misunderstood enforcement tools currently being deployed against employers. Nick and John break down what an E-Verify desk audit (officially called a "desk review") actually looks like in practice, including: •	What triggers the government's automated data analytics flag and puts an employer on the audit radar •	What documents and records are typically requested, and how the response window has recently been compressed from 10 to 5 business days •	Why proof of E-Verify user training is a newly scrutinized requirement that many employers are unprepared to document •	How the government's recommendation report distinguishes between discrepancies and observations •	Why termination from the E-Verify program, not financial penalties, is the primary enforcement tool  Nick and John also address the do's and don'ts of responding to a desk audit, including why employers should avoid reflexively correcting records before carefully reviewing the government's findings with counsel. Whether you're a current E-Verify participant, considering enrollment, or simply trying to understand how worksite compliance enforcement is evolving, this episode offers a clear-eyed, practical guide to protecting your organization. Speakers on this episode are: •	Nick Lowrey, Klasko Immigration Law Partners •	John Fay, Equifax Workforce Solutions Stay connected with us: •	Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. •	Sign up for our newsletter and email updates. •	Schedule a consultation here. Connect with Guidepost Solutions: •	Learn more at workforce.equifax.com. •	Follow on LinkedIn and X.

Episode 21: What Happens When a US Green Card Holder Gets Stuck Abroad

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