Alert for Green Card Holders Over Deportation Risk in the U.S.

Deportation Risk Increases

NILC Issues Immigration Alert

Rights for Permanent Residents

The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) has issued a warning to immigrants holding US green cards or permanent residency about new deportation risks following alerts released by the administration of President Donald Trump.

The organization explained that while lawful permanent residents have guaranteed legal rights, there are also specific circumstances that can jeopardize their status in the country if they fail to take preventive measures.

The alert came after the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on April 29, warning that “everyone should stay alert” due to a federal verification program that monitors social media to detect potential public or national security threats.

Green Card Holders in the US Face Deportation Risk

Alert for Green Card Holders Over Deportation Risk in the US – Photo: Shutterstock

Immigrant rights groups interpreted this message as a sign of increased government surveillance that could lead to deportation proceedings even for lawful permanent residents.

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According to the NILC, there are several situations that may make a green card holder vulnerable to an adverse immigration process, even without serious criminal offenses or previous legal problems.

One major risk factor is extended travel abroad. If residents stay outside the US for several months without the proper authorization, they may face challenges to their permanent status.

Factors That Increase the Deportation Risk

The NILC emphasized that immigration authorities can interpret prolonged absences — especially those exceeding six months — as abandonment of permanent resident status.

Another vulnerability arises when a permanent resident is arrested or interacts with law enforcement, even in minor offenses.

Additionally, starting the naturalization process can trigger an extensive review of the applicant’s immigration and personal history, potentially uncovering inconsistencies that lead to complications or deportation proceedings.

Participation in political activism or protests can also draw scrutiny, especially if such activities are linked to causes considered controversial by US authorities.

How Deportation Proceedings Can Begin

Green Card Deportation Risk – Photo: Shutterstock

Current US immigration law allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to initiate deportation proceedings against permanent residents in cases involving:

Criminal convictions

Extended absences abroad without reentry permits

Allegations of fraud in immigration applications

The NILC also highlighted cases where the government invokes national security concerns as grounds for deportation.

One example is that of Mahmoud Khalil, a New York resident accused of failing to disclose ties to Palestinian support organizations when applying for residency.

According to NILC, cases like Khalil’s demonstrate how federal law allows broad interpretations of what constitutes terrorism or national security risks.

Rights and Safety Plan for Permanent Residents

Given this situation, the NILC advises all green card holders to evaluate whether they are at risk and, if so, to create a legal safety plan as soon as possible.

Key recommendations include:

Consulting an immigration attorney before traveling or responding to official summons.

Knowing that permanent residents have constitutional rights, including due process, freedom of speech, and equal protection under the law.

At airports and border crossings, residents have the right not to answer questions about political beliefs or past activities without consulting a lawyer.

They can also refuse to sign documents they do not understand and are not required to voluntarily give up their immigration status, according to La Nación.

In ICE detention centers, some green card holders are eligible for release on bond while their cases are pending — and ICE must inform them of this option within 48 hours.

If placed in deportation proceedings, permanent residents have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge to defend their right to remain in the United States.

The NILC emphasized that information and legal preparation are crucial to protecting lawful status, especially amid heightened immigration surveillance and enforcement.