Complicated expired green card with dimentia and need to travel

[sjoefl01 1]

My sister in law is suffering from dementia. She is elderly and has lived in the US legally (LPR) for about 25 years. She is about 70 and speaks only Spanish. The family is trying to help her. She has a lot of medical problems. Right now the best plan is to get her to Colombia where she has more family members to help with her care. While my wife was helping to make arrangements she discovered that her sisters green card expired about a year ago. She doesn't work or anything.

Chances are that she will be in Colombia for more than 6 months. It is entirely possible that she may never return but we want to keep that option open. If nothing else but to come see her friends and move her stuff. For now we re keeping her apartment.

It seems that she can't file for citizenship on this expired card and there may be problems with her return if she stays longer than 6 months. We also wanted to bring her from California to Florida to stay with us for now so there may be issues with where to file.

Any advice will be appreciated in advance.We are all trying to help this poor woman finish her life without a lot of stress and frustration. She has a loving family that wants to help. we jsu tneed to know the best way to proceed.

PS

My wife called a Palm Springs Ca lawyer and he said green card renewal was taking about a year. Is this true, or was he trying to scare us so we would pay him to help?

[Penguin_ie 5,999]

Not sure on greencard renewal, we don't see many ten year greencard renewals here, but it seems unlikely that it takes a year as you just pay a fee to get a new card, no interview or proof needed.

When do you think you will decide where she will ultimately live? I ask because if you are sure she will only return to visit, then getting a tourist visa from Colombia may be an option.

[EM_Vandaveer 2,418]

I believe it's about 6 months to renew a 10-year GC. Biometrics is involved, but no interview. Once that's done, she could file an I-131 for a re-entry permit. With that she could stay out of the US for up to 2 years and not risk losing her GC.

[Hanane S 4]

I suggest to apply for her citizenship to get her certificate to get her passport and no interview needed for her since she s on that age ....no interview needed for older people goodluck

[Hanane S 4]

She s still a lawful permanent resident even with expired green card it's not a problem . Instead of paying money for renewal she can file uscis form N-400 application for naturalization . Most lawfull resident apply for naturalization after their green card expired

[Penguin_ie 5,999]

I suggest to apply for her citizenship to get her certificate to get her passport and no interview needed for her since she s on that age ....no interview needed for older people goodluck

That is incorrect; she will still have an interview, but may not need to do the test.

[Hanane S 4]

Correct she will need to go to interview but she doesn't need no test .. you re right

[sjoefl01 1]

The lawyer said she would have to renew the green card before she could file for citizenship. I did a search her and it appeared to be slightly controversial.

[True Love at Last 15]

She s still a lawful permanent resident even with expired green card it's not a problem . Instead of paying money for renewal she can file uscis form N-400 application for naturalization . Most lawfull resident apply for naturalization after their green card expired

This is good advice. Just to add my opinion.... I would bring her to stay with you first. She only requires a state identification card or drivers license to fly. After she is in Florida with you, apply for her Naturalization (I would include that she only speaks Spanish and is suffering from Dementia) this may help expedite the process and alert them to the fact that she will need assistance. Once she has her Citizenship, apply for her US passport which can be rushed (for an additional fee) and then off to Colombia. I hope this helps. Wishing you and your family the very best.