The Process of Obtaining and Maintaining a Green Card in the United States

Strict USCIS review

Risks from digital activity

Deportation for prohibited conduct

The process to obtain and maintain a Green Card in the United States has become increasingly demanding, marked by constant verification and procedures designed to ensure applicants comply with immigration regulations.

The permanent resident card is more than just an immigration document — it represents the possibility of establishing a stable life in the country, gaining access to job opportunities, and building a long-term future. But the path to get it is far from simple, according to El Cronista.

Following established procedures, applicants must meet strict requirements, pass background checks, undergo in-depth interviews, and face periodic reviews aimed at confirming their continued eligibility.

Green Card and New Immigration Review Rules

USCIS Green Card review protocols become more strict – PHOTO SHUTTERSTOCK

Once permanent resident status is granted, immigrants must rigorously comply with U.S. immigration laws, as any violation can jeopardize their legal status in the country.

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“Obtaining a visa or permanent resident card in the United States is a privilege that carries the responsibility of respecting our laws and values.

If you incite violence, support terrorist activities, or encourage others to do so, you will no longer be eligible to remain in the country,” the federal agency stated in an official communication.

Official Warning

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued an official notice on its social media channels warning that immigrants who engage in practices such as inciting violence or supporting terrorist activities may be deported immediately.

The warning is part of the enhanced screening measures immigration authorities carry out to ensure applicants respect U.S. laws and do not pose a national security risk.

The policy includes not only the applicant’s conduct within the country but also their public expressions in digital spaces, which have become an additional evaluation tool under the USCIS Green Card review system.

The guidelines emphasize that immigration eligibility does not depend solely on documents or forms, but also on the applicant’s behavior and alignment with values established by law.

Social Media Review and Digital Monitoring

Green Card and new immigration review rules. PHOTO: Shutterstock

USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have implemented a procedure that includes reviewing the applicant’s social media to detect potential national security threats.

This analysis considers posts, comments, interactions, and frequent contacts, which are cross-checked with intelligence databases and criminal records.

Authorities can legally monitor information users share on social networks, forums, or open platforms — as long as it is public and helps identify potentially risky behavior.

In many cases, visa, residency, or citizenship applicants are required to disclose their usernames on platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, allowing USCIS to conduct a more complete verification during the process.

This type of review has become an integral part of the immigration procedure, reinforcing the importance of applicants maintaining behavior consistent with established norms and regulations.

The combination of legal requirements, ongoing reviews, and digital monitoring reflects the growing strictness of the U.S. immigration system — and the level of responsibility required to keep a Green Card under U.S. law, especially within the expanded USCIS Green Card review process.