The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a strong warning that alerts holders of the permanent resident card, commonly known as Green Card.
The immigration agency has reminded permanent residents that their legal status is not unchangeable and can be revoked if certain legal provisions are violated.
A clear message: "having a green card is a privilege, not a right."
The publication of the CBP, which has generated widespread attention and debate, begins with a statement that encapsulates the core of the warning:
“Attention, Green Card holders: Having a criminal record does not make you a lawfully permanent resident in good standing. Holding a green card is a privilege, not a right.”
The message is part of a stricter immigration policy promoted during Donald Trump's administration, which aimed to strengthen border control and tighten conditions for immigrants, including those with legal status.
What does this warning mean?
The agency made it clear that the consequences for Green Card holders with criminal records can be severe:
“According to the laws of our country, our government has the authority to revoke your green card if our laws are violated or abused.”
This means that even if a person has lived in the United States for many years and has established a life as a legal permanent resident, they may face detention and deportation proceedings if they have committed certain crimes.
The CBP warns that permanent residents returning to the country after traveling abroad may be detained at the ports of entry if they have a criminal record
"In addition to deportation proceedings, legal permanent residents who present themselves at a U.S. port of entry with a criminal record may be subject to mandatory detention."
Who is at risk?
Although the CBP did not specify exactly which offenses may trigger these measures, other agencies such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have outlined some common reasons for the revocation of permanent residency:
Serious crimes such as violence, fraud, or drug trafficking.
-Having committed immigration fraud to obtain the Green Card.
- Crimes considered "minor" but with significant legal implications, such as driving under the influence of alcohol (DWI).
This means that not only high-profile crimes can jeopardize a person's immigration status. In some cases, even minor infractions can have devastating immigration consequences.
The duties of a permanent resident
USCIS has also reminded that holders of a Green Card must fulfill certain obligations to maintain their legal status.
Among them are:
-Obey all federal, state, and local laws.
-Declare your income and pay taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to state tax authorities.
-Support the democratic form of government, even though voting in federal, state, or local elections is not allowed.
-Register for the Selective Service System if you are a man between the ages of 18 and 25.
These obligations are part of a commitment to the country that grants permanent residency, and failing to meet them may have immigration repercussions.
Traveling outside the United States: a potential risk
One of the most significant warnings is the risk that legal permanent residents face when exiting and reentering the United States.
Even if they have a valid Green Card, they can be detained and even expelled from the country if it is discovered that they have a criminal record, regardless of how long they have lived legally in the United States.
The return to the United States after an international trip has become a critical checkpoint where immigration authorities can take severe measures.
In light of this situation, immigration lawyers recommend that Green Card holders check their legal history before leaving the country. If they have had any interaction with the judicial system, it is crucial to consult an immigration attorney.
This advice is not only prudent but necessary, as many people are unaware that seemingly minor offenses can have legal repercussions that directly affect their immigration status.
The CBP warning adds to a series of measures and statements aimed at reinforcing the message that immigration benefits are not permanent or guaranteed.
Even programs like ESTA, which allows visa-free visits, are under more rigorous scrutiny.
"The immigration benefits are neither permanent nor guaranteed," the USCIS also reminded in its most recent statements.
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