Green Card Status No Longer Feels Secure for Many Legal US Residents

Across the United States, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are experiencing heightened anxiety regarding potential deportation and travel restrictions, fueled by recent policy shifts and high-profile legal cases.

Immigration lawyers report a surge in inquiries from green card holders seeking clarification on their rights and travel eligibility amid growing uncertainty. This apprehension stems, in part, from the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder who was accused of inciting violence without facing criminal charges. The invocation of a statute citing "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences" in his case has raised concerns among legal experts and advocates.

They warn that this broad interpretation of the law could potentially target activists, dissenters, or individuals deemed politically unfavourable by the current administration. Traditionally, grounds for deportation of green card holders have centred on criminal convictions, document fraud, or drug offences. These developments are having tangible consequences on the lives of green card holders. Many are reconsidering travel plans, including visits to family abroad, fearing they may be denied reentry into the US.

Others are reluctant to attend international work conferences, despite possessing valid travel documents. Some green card holders are also reporting increased anxiety about everyday activities within the US, fearing potential repercussions for expressing their opinions or cultural affiliations.
Further contributing to this climate of unease are recent remarks from high-ranking officials suggesting that green card holders do not possess an "indefinite right" to remain in the US.

These comments have been widely interpreted as threatening and have eroded the sense of security among legal immigrants who have long considered the US their permanent home. This situation has prompted many green card holders to consider applying for US citizenship, while others are hesitant, fearing increased scrutiny of their immigration status. This comes at a time when the US, which has historically prided itself on being a nation of immigrants, is now facing an erosion of trust and a rise in fear among its legal residents.