What are the immigration related consequences of layoffs on alien employees who are already permanent residents?
For alien workers who have already secured LPR status, the impact of being laid off is not much different from that of a US worker. The alien green card holder would continue to be in lawful permanent residency status while he or she looks for new employment. Many immigrants who have recently obtained their green card status may be rightfully concerned about leaving their positions too quickly after getting permanent residency. The USCIS will sometimes accuse an individual of not having appropriate intentions when they got permanent residency. However, an involuntary termination of employment will not trigger that type of problem since the applicant presumably did not intend to leave the employer. Also, depending on the applicable state law, the alien LPR might be eligible for unemployment compensation because he or she is lawfully present in the US and is available and authorized to accept employment.
