Abandonment of status meaning :

Abandonment of status, in the field of immigration law, refers to a person relinquishing their status as a permanent resident. This situation occurs when the individual permanently leaves the country of residence or fails to comply with residency conditions imposed by law, such as the requirement for continuous residence or the minimum duration of presence in the territory.

Abandonment of status can result from a voluntary decision. In this specific case, the individual consciously expresses their desire to renounce their status and submits an official request to the relevant authorities. Conversely, cases of involuntary abandonment of status can also occur. This situation arises when the individual fails to meet the obligations associated with their status, leading immigration services to believe that they wish to abandon their status. This scenario occurs in exceptional circumstances such as health issues, family obligations abroad, or unforeseen travel restrictions. These facts prevent the individual from maintaining their residence in the country.

Whether voluntary or involuntary, abandonment of status can have serious and often irreversible consequences. In some countries like the United States or Canada, this can result in a ban on entry, thereby prohibiting the person from returning to the country. Such a sanction undoubtedly leaves a significant impact on their personal, professional, and familial life.

The repercussions of abandoning status are not limited solely to the individual involved but also extend to their family. Indeed, the spouse may also lose their permanent resident status, while children, whether minors or adults, may see their own status affected. This could compromise access to education, healthcare, and other social benefits.

Etymology of Abandonment of Status

The term “abandonment of status” originates from the Latin word “abandonare,” which means “to renounce, abandon, forsake,” and “status,” translating to “condition, position, state” in English. Therefore, this notion alludes to the idea of relinquishing or surrendering one’s status. It thus refers to a deliberate act of departing from a particular state or condition, such as residency or citizenship status.