Applying for a Green Card? Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Obtaining a green card is one of the most important milestones in an immigrant’s journey—but the process can be complex, stressful, and full of hidden traps. Every year, thousands of applications are delayed or denied due to avoidable mistakes.
At M.A. Morgan & Associates, we’ve helped clients from over 40 countries secure lawful permanent residency. If you’re applying for a green card in 2025, knowing what not to do is just as important as following the right steps. Below are five of the most common green card mistakes—and how to avoid them.
1. Not Including All Required Documents
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires very specific documentation for green card applications. Missing even a single form, photo, or translation can result in a Request for Evidence (RFE) or outright denial.
Common missing documents include:
- Birth or marriage certificates without certified translations
- Proof of financial sponsorship (Form I-864)
- Passport-style photos meeting USCIS requirements
- Evidence of lawful entry (I-94 record or visa stamp)
Tip: Double check the USCIS checklist for your category—and have a qualified immigration attorney review everything before submission.
2. Missing Deadlines or Interviews
Green card applications are time-sensitive. Failing to respond to an RFE or missing a biometrics appointment or interview can cause your application to be rejected or closed.
Applicants may miss deadlines because:
- They moved and didn’t update their address with USCIS
- They didn’t understand the urgency of a mailed notice
- They weren’t properly tracking their case
Tip: Always keep your mailing address current with USCIS, and open every envelope promptly. Set reminders for every USCIS-related deadline, or better yet, work with a legal team that manages this for you.
3. Failing to Disclose Past Immigration Violations or Criminal History
Honesty is critical when applying for a green card. Withholding information—intentionally or not—can result in serious consequences, including denial, permanent bars, or even removal proceedings.
Common issues that must be disclosed:
- Past unlawful presence in the U.S.
- Overstaying a visa
- Prior deportation orders
- Arrests or convictions, even if charges were dropped
Tip: Never assume that USCIS “won’t find out.” They run background checks and can access previous applications. Disclose everything to your lawyer first—there may still be a legal path forward.
4. Working with Unlicensed Consultants or “Notarios”
One of the most damaging mistakes applicants make is trusting their future to unqualified individuals—especially notarios or immigration “consultants” who are not licensed to practice law.
These individuals often:
- File incorrect forms
- Give bad legal advice
- Disappear when problems arise
- Put clients at risk of fraud or deportation
Tip: Only work with a licensed immigration attorney. At M.A. Morgan & Associates, we’ve helped many clients correct errors caused by notaries—but in some cases, the damage is irreversible.
5. Trying to Do It All Alone
The green card process can feel overwhelming, especially when English is not your first language or you’re navigating a complex immigration history. Attempting to apply without legal help increases the chance of costly mistakes.
Every case is unique. Whether you’re applying through a family member, marriage, asylum, or another pathway, the strategy must be tailored to your specific situation.
Tip: Hiring an experienced immigration lawyer isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protecting your future.
How M.A. Morgan & Associates Can Help
With over 40 years of combined experience, M.A. Morgan & Associates offers compassionate, strategic, and effective representation for green card applicants across Texas and the United States. We don’t just file paperwork—we build cases, fix mistakes, and fight for your right to stay and thrive in the United States.
If your green card application has been denied—or if you want to avoid problems from the start—contact us today for a confidential consultation.
📞 Call now: (210) 955-9855
📧 Email: info@mamorganlaw.com
