Green card renewal question

[Dhilan]

Hi,

Wonder if some of you here with prior experience can help me with a question or two regarding renewing my already expired green card.

I was granted permanent residency in September , 1989. I've been in the country since (almost 20 yrs). However, around 1995, I lost my greencard. Therefore immediately applied for a replacement card. I received a new card and everything was fine.

Now it is common knowledge that one should always carry their greencard according to the law. However, I had mine in a safe deposit box at my local bank the last few years. I recently discovered that my card had expired back in 2005. Until recently, I was completely unaware that a greencard had an expiration date. (The first card I received in 1989 did not have a exp date). So I'm 3 years overdue on the renewal.

So now I'm a bit worried. I know my permanent status is still valid. My passport still has a permanent residency stamp on it. However, I will need to renew my card if I'm ever going to apply for naturalization. Is there anything I should worry about ? Should I get a lawyer involved to help fill out the I-90 form and apply?

Any possibility that my application could be denied and my permanent residency status put in jeopardy? I'm worried primarily because I have not renewed the card in the 3 years since it has expired. How would I explain that in my interview? Would that count against me?

One additional note - Every single member of my family is a U.S Citizen including my mother. I've been married for almost 4 years to a U.S citizen and have two children born here. I was just too lazy to apply for naturalization ever since the INS lost my application several years ago. Just out of frustration.

So once again - should I get a lawyer or should I fill out the form online and apply myself? Am I being too paranoid here?? I am worried that somehow something could backfire, especially when dealing with the USCIS. I've heard a lot of horror stories here and on other sites.

Sorry for the long post. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Dhilan.

 

[Jackolantern]

One additional note - Every single member of my family is a U.S Citizen including my mother.

Did she or your father become a citizen before you were 18? If yes, you may already be a citizen.

If not, renew your card and you'll be fine. I think you'll need to take the card to the interview, so if you get an interview notice before receiving the card you should ask for a reschedule. Better to apply for the renewal before citizenship so you'll get the card in time.

An expired card does not affect your PR status, so stop worrying about it.

 

[Dhilan]

Did she or your father become a citizen before you were 18? If yes, you may already be a citizen.

If not, renew your card and you'll be fine. I think you'll need to take the card to the interview, so if you get an interview notice before receiving the card you should ask for a reschedule. Better to apply for the renewal before citizenship so you'll get the card in time.

An expired card does not affect your PR status, so stop worrying about it.

Thanks for the response!

To answer you question regarding my father/mother citizenship - No unfortunately, I was out of the country when my mother became a citizen and was already beyond 18 years old.