Green Card Holders Returning to US Over Legal Status Fears

Trump administration warning prompts many permanent residents living in Mexico to move back to avoid losing their legal status.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:31am

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The Trump administration recently warned green card holders living outside the U.S. or traveling out of the country for more than six months that extended departures could lead to an 'abandonment of residency' and loss of legal status. Many legal permanent residents who chose to live in Tijuana, Mexico to take advantage of lower housing costs are now taking this threat seriously and moving back to the U.S., causing a 10-15% drop in Tijuana rents, especially in coastal neighborhoods.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the challenges facing green card holders who seek to live outside the U.S. for extended periods, as the Trump administration has taken a hardline stance on immigration and residency requirements. The crackdown on green card holders' movements could disrupt the lives of many permanent residents and their families.

The details

Using biometrics and other technology, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has begun tracking non-citizens as they exit the country, documenting how often people are leaving the U.S. Many legal permanent residents who chose to live in Tijuana, Mexico to take advantage of lower housing costs are now moving back to the U.S. out of fear of losing their legal status.

  • A few months ago, the Trump administration issued a warning to green card holders about extended departures from the U.S.

The players

Trump Administration

The federal government under former President Donald Trump, which took a hardline stance on immigration and residency requirements for green card holders.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The federal agency that has begun tracking the movements of non-citizens exiting the U.S. using biometrics and other technology.

Dulce Belén Reynoso Reyes

The president of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Agents in Tijuana, who has observed a 10-15% drop in Tijuana rents due to green card holders returning to the U.S.

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What they’re saying

“We have seen a reduction in occupancy as American citizens and legal residents are returning to the United States. This is lowering rent prices in Baja.”

— Dulce Belén Reynoso Reyes, President, Mexican Association of Real Estate Agents in Tijuana (cenlanow.com)

“If they are paying rents in pesos or dollars, it doesn't matter what the contract states, bottom line people are leaving.”

— Dulce Belén Reynoso Reyes, President, Mexican Association of Real Estate Agents in Tijuana (cenlanow.com)

What’s next

The Biden administration may need to clarify or adjust the policies regarding green card holders' residency requirements to provide more certainty and flexibility for permanent residents living outside the U.S.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the difficult choices facing green card holders who seek to live outside the U.S. for extended periods, as the Trump administration's hardline stance on immigration has created uncertainty and fear among permanent residents about potentially losing their legal status.