The Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration is not limited to illegal immigrants. Visa holders and tourists are also worried about the possibility of being detained or deported. Even some green card holders have faced increasing scrutiny.
The green card, officially known as the Permanent Resident Card, is a legal authorization to live and work permanently in the United States. In the past, green card holders entered and exited the country with less concern than other foreigners, but the government’s restrictive approach at the borders—and stricter scrutiny against green card holders who have committed crimes—has changed all that.
What are the rights of Green Card holders?
Legal permanent residents, often called “green card holders,” can live and work in the United States, receive Social Security, Medicare, and financial assistance, as well as serve in the Armed Forces, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
They can also apply for citizenship after five years of legal permanent residency, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen. Residents must remain in the United States for at least 913 days during that five-year period to maintain eligibility for citizenship, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The department estimates that there were 12.8 million green card holders living in the United States on January 1, 2024, an increase of 70,000 from the previous year.
Green card holders must carry their cards with them at all times.
What travel restrictions apply to Green Card holders?
Any green card holder who commits a crime, from speeding to a more serious offense, may be denied entry to the United States or deported, but the government generally does not target these individuals unless they have committed serious crimes, according to legal experts.
Although green card holders can spend up to 365 consecutive days outside the United States, any period longer than six months can “raise suspicions.” Spending more than six months outside the country can also reset the number of years needed to qualify for citizenship.
Some green card holders who have been out of the country for a long period report having recently been pressured by Customs and Border Protection agents to relinquish their status, according to some lawyers interviewed by The New York Times.
According to a Customs and Border Protection spokesperson, the agency presents these forms only when a permanent resident arrives from a foreign country at a port of entry and voluntarily expresses the desire to surrender their green card.
What travel restrictions did the United States implement under the Trump administration?
As part of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration agenda, border checkpoints implemented what the White House calls “enhanced vetting.” These measures, which include the detention and deportation of tourists, have led allied countries, such as Germany, to update travel alerts for their citizens traveling to the United States.
In April, the Department of Homeland Security announced it would review the social media of immigrants for evidence of antisemitism, which it said would be grounds for “denying immigration benefit requests.” The screening seeks evidence of “endorsing, supporting, promoting, or advocating antisemitic terrorism,” according to the statement.
The measure applies to green card applicants, foreign students, and other immigrants “affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activities.” In recent months, the Trump administration has had several pro-Palestinian protesters—some green card holders, others with student visas—arrested and detained due to their campus activities.
What precautions should Green Card holders take?
Any green card holder planning to travel outside the United States for six months or more should apply for a reentry permit, which allows legal permanent residents to return to the country after being abroad for up to two years. The permit serves as proof that the green card holder does not intend to abandon their legal status.
It is also recommended that frequent-traveling green card holders apply for Global Entry, a C.B.P. program that expedites the clearance process when entering the United States.
Source: The New York Times