Latest news with #PermanentResidentCard
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Mexican national charged with Fraudulent Permit, Failure to Notify Change of Address
WACO, Texas (FOX 44) – A Mexican national has been arrested in Temple on criminal charges related to her alleged possession of a fraudulent Permanent Resident Card and failing to report her change of address. According to court documents, Juana Maria Garcia-Rosales was found in Temple on Thursday, May 15, after police executed a search warrant at her residence. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Fugitive Operations Officers subsequently arrested Garcia-Rosales for being in possession of a Permanent Resident Card with an Alien Number that had not been issued. The Department of Justice (DoJ) says a criminal complaint alleges that Garcia-Rosales admitted to purchasing the card from someone in Florida via social media. Further investigation revealed that Garcia-Rosales was previously admitted into the U.S. with a Border Crosser Card in July 2012 and the Form I-94 documenting her arrival listed her address as a location in Bryan—not Temple. Garcia-Rosales is charged with one count of possession of a fraudulent Permanent Resident Card and one count of failure to notify of change of address. If convicted, she faces up to ten years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Chicago Tribune
06-05-2025
- Chicago Tribune
What green card holders should know in preparing to travel outside the US
The Trump administration's crackdown on immigration has fueled anxiety at airports, border crossings and other U.S. ports of entry, with visa holders and tourists concerned that they may be detained or deported. Even some green card holders have faced increased scrutiny. A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a legal authorization to live and work in the United States permanently. In the past, green card holders traveled in and out of the country with less worry than other foreign nationals, but the administration's restrictive approach at the borders — and stronger enforcement against green card holders who have committed crimes — has changed all that. Michael Wildes, an immigration lawyer and law professor in New York, said that citizens and green card holders alike have contacted him since President Donald Trump took office to inquire about his services if they get stopped at the border. Another immigration lawyer, Brad Bernstein, has taken to TikTok to debunk concerns and offer advice to travelers with green cards. Here's what to know about the rights a green card holder is entitled to and how to travel on a green card. What rights do green card holders have? Lawful permanent residents, who are often referred to as 'green card holders,' are allowed to live and work in the United States, receive Social Security, Medicare and college financial aid, and serve in the military, according to the Department of Homeland Security. They may also apply for citizenship after five years of legal permanent residency, or three years if they marry a U.S. citizen. Residents must be in the United States for at least 913 days in that five-year period to maintain eligibility for citizenship, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security. The department estimates that there were 12.8 million green card holders living in the United States on Jan. 1, 2024, an increase of 70,000 from the year before. 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, ranging from speeding to a more serious offense, can be denied entry to the United States or deported, but the government usually hasn't targeted those people unless they have committed major crimes, according to legal experts. Green card holders also must provide consistent information across travel forms. For example, the answers to questions on a green card form must match the answers provided in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, the application required for most European travelers to the United States. While green card holders can spend up to 365 consecutive days outside the United States, any duration longer than six months can 'raise eyebrows,' Wildes said. Spending more than six months outside the country can also reset the number of years required to be eligible to apply for citizenship. Some green card holders who have been out of the country for an extended period say they have recently been pressured to give up their status by Customs and Border Protection agents, according to Bernstein. He said that some of his clients who are green card holders have been presented with forms used to abandon their lawful permanent resident status. Customs and Border Protection, Bernstein said, 'has taken on treating lawful permanent residents in a similar vein that they treat visitors and students, which is that they are going to be the judge and jury.' According to a spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection, the agency presents those forms only when a permanent resident arrives from a foreign country at a port of entry and voluntarily expresses a desire to surrender their green card. One of Bernstein's clients, a green card holder who lives in New York with his family, said he was detained in March at a Florida airport after returning from a three-month business trip to oversee a real estate project in Jamaica, where he lived before moving to the United States. The man, who asked not to be identified over concerns about his residency, said he was pulled aside for secondary inspection, where agents expressed their doubts about whether he really lived in the United States. At one point, he said, a form used to abandon legal permanent residence was presented, and he was told he should relinquish his green card and instead apply for a work permit to enter the United States. He refused, was admitted into the country and is now back in New York. He described the experience as disheartening, saying it felt like he wasn't welcome anymore. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to questions about the incident. Another green card holder, Cliona Ward, 54, who has lived in Santa Cruz, California, since she was 12 years old, was detained at San Francisco International Airport on April 21 when she returned from a seven-day trip to Dublin. Ward had two felony convictions in 2007 and 2008 related to drug possession from a brief period of addiction she experienced, according to her sister, Orla Holladay. According to Holladay, those convictions were expunged — meaning the conviction would be essentially removed from the criminal record — after Ward completed a rehabilitation program, and she has maintained her sobriety for almost 20 years. Her sister described her as a taxpayer who is in the country legally and is a part of the community. Erin Hall, Ward's lawyer, said that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which handles such cases, has not provided any criminal records. The agency declined to comment. Ward has been in detention for a week and has no date set for a hearing on her case. What travel restrictions has the United States enacted? As part of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration agenda, border checkpoints have enacted what the White House refers to as 'advanced vetting.' The measures, which include detaining and deporting tourists, have led allied countries, like Germany, to update travel advisories for their citizens about traveling to the United States The Department of Homeland Security in April announced that it would screen immigrants' social media for evidence of antisemitism, which it said would be grounds for 'denying immigration benefit requests.' The screen looks for evidence of 'endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism,' according to the statement. The measure applies to those applying for green cards, foreign students and other immigrants 'affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity.' In recent months, the Trump administration has had a number of pro-Palestinian protesters — some green card holders, others with student visas — arrested and detained on account of their on-campus activity. What precautions should green card holders take? Wildes said that any green card holder looking to travel outside of the United States for six months or longer should apply for a reentry permit, which allows lawful permanent residents to re-enter 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. If the permit doesn't arrive before departure from the United States, Wildes recommended traveling with the receipt of the application. Wildes also recommended that green card holders who travel frequently apply for Global Entry, a CBP program that expedites the clearance process when entering the United States. Originally Published: May 6, 2025 at 9:52 AM CDT
Observer
06-05-2025
- Observer
Tips for Green card holders while traveling to outside US
The Trump administration's crackdown on immigration has fueled anxiety at airports, border crossings, and other U.S. ports of entry, with visa holders and tourists concerned that they may be detained or deported. Even some green card holders have faced increased scrutiny. A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a legal authorization to live and work in the United States permanently. In the past, green card holders traveled in and out of the country with less worry than other foreign nationals, but the administration's restrictive approach at the borders — and stronger enforcement against green card holders who have committed crimes — has changed all that. Michael Wildes, an immigration lawyer and law professor in New York, said that citizens and green card holders alike have contacted him since President Donald Trump took office to inquire about his services if they get stopped at the border. Another immigration lawyer, Brad Bernstein, has taken to TikTok to debunk concerns and offer advice to travelers with green cards. Here's what to know about the rights a green card holder is entitled to and how to travel on a green card. What Rights Do Green Card Holders Have? Lawful permanent residents, who are often referred to as 'green card holders,' are allowed to live and work in the United States, receive Social Security, Medicare, and college financial aid, and serve in the military, according to the Department of Homeland Security. They may also apply for citizenship after five years of legal permanent residency, or three years if they marry a U.S. citizen. Residents must be in the United States for at least 913 days in that five-year period to maintain eligibility for citizenship, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security. The department estimates that there were 12.8 million green card holders living in the United States on Jan. 1, 2024, an increase of 70,000 from the year before. 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, ranging from speeding to a more serious offense, can be denied entry to the United States or deported, but the government usually hasn't targeted those people unless they have committed major crimes, according to legal experts. Green card holders also must provide consistent information across travel forms. For example, the answers to questions on a green card form must match the answers provided in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, the application required for most European travelers to the United States. While green card holders can spend up to 365 consecutive days outside the United States, any duration longer than six months can 'raise eyebrows,' Wildes said. Spending more than six months outside the country can also reset the number of years required to be eligible to apply for citizenship. Some green card holders who have been out of the country for an extended period say they have recently been pressured to give up their status by Customs and Border Protection agents, according to Bernstein. He said that some of his clients who are green card holders have been presented with forms used to abandon their lawful permanent resident status. Customs and Border Protection, Bernstein said, 'has taken on treating lawful permanent residents in a similar vein that they treat visitors and students, which is that they are going to be the judge and jury.' According to a spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection, the agency presents those forms only when a permanent resident arrives from a foreign country at a port of entry and voluntarily expresses a desire to surrender their green card. One of Bernstein's clients, a green card holder who lives in New York with his family, said he was detained in March at a Florida airport after returning from a three-month business trip to oversee a real estate project in Jamaica, where he lived before moving to the United States. The man, who asked not to be identified over concerns about his residency, said he was pulled aside for secondary inspection, where agents expressed their doubts about whether he lived in the United States. At one point, he said, a form used to abandon legal permanent residence was presented, and he was told he should relinquish his green card and instead apply for a work permit to enter the United States. He refused, was admitted into the country, and is now back in New York. He described the experience as disheartening, saying it felt like he wasn't welcome anymore. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to questions about the incident. Another green card holder, Cliona Ward, 54, who has lived in Santa Cruz, California, since she was 12 years old, was detained at San Francisco International Airport on April 21 when she returned from a seven-day trip to Dublin. Ward had two felony convictions in 2007 and 2008 related to drug possession from a brief period of addiction she experienced, according to her sister, Orla Holladay. According to Holladay, those convictions were expunged — meaning the conviction would be essentially removed from the criminal record — after Ward completed a rehabilitation program, and she has maintained her sobriety for almost 20 years. Her sister described her as a taxpayer who is in the country legally and is a part of the community. Erin Hall, Ward's lawyer, said that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which handles such cases, has not provided any criminal records. The agency declined to comment. Ward has been in detention for a week and has no date set for a hearing on her case. What Travel Restrictions Has the United States Enacted? As part of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration agenda, border checkpoints have enacted what the White House refers to as 'advanced vetting.' The measures, which include detaining and deporting tourists, have led allied countries, like Germany, to update travel advisories for their citizens about traveling to the United States What Precautions Should Green Card Holders Take? Wildes said that any green card holder looking to travel outside of the United States for six months or longer should apply for a reentry permit, which allows lawful permanent residents to re-enter 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. If the permit doesn't arrive before departure from the United States, Wildes recommends traveling with the receipt of the application. Wildes also recommended that green card holders who travel frequently apply for Global Entry, a CBP program that expedites the clearance process when entering the United States. This article originally appeared in
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Time of India
Planning to travel outside US? What every green card holder should know
The Trump administration's immigration crackdown has left many green card holders uneasy about the security of their legal status—particularly when travelling abroad. According to The New York Times, growing concerns stem from increased scrutiny at airports and border crossings, where even lawful permanent residents are facing questioning, detentions, or in rare cases, pressure to relinquish their status. With immigration laws tightening and enforcement becoming more aggressive, green card holders must exercise caution when planning international trips. Green Card holders: The basics A green card, or Permanent Resident Card , allows its holder to live and work permanently in the United States. Traditionally, green card holders could travel in and out of the US without the same concerns faced by other foreign nationals. However, recent changes in border enforcement have shifted this dynamic. Green card holders are no longer immune to the intense scrutiny at US ports of entry, particularly if they have committed crimes, no matter how minor. Green card holders' rights Green card holders enjoy several privileges, such as eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, college financial aid, and military service. They can also apply for US citizenship after five years of residency (three years if married to a US citizen). However, to maintain eligibility for citizenship, they must spend a minimum of 913 days in the US within that five-year period. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses Albania (Take A Look At The Prices) Container House Search Now Undo As of January 2024, there were 12.8 million green card holders living in the US, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Travel restrictions and risks for Green Card holders While green card holders have the right to travel outside the US, certain restrictions apply: Traveling for extended periods : Green card holders can leave the US for up to 365 days without jeopardizing their residency. However, spending more than six months abroad can raise suspicion among Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, who may question whether the individual still considers the US their primary residence. Furthermore, being outside the US for more than six months can reset the timeline for citizenship eligibility. Criminal convictions : Any crime, from minor offenses like speeding to more serious violations, can lead to denial of entry or even deportation. Green card holders who have committed criminal offenses may face particularly stringent questioning when re-entering the country. Immigration experts say that although green card holders can be scrutinized more closely, they are typically not targeted unless their offenses are substantial. Abandonment of status : In recent years, some green card holders returning from extended trips abroad have been pressured by CBP agents to abandon their legal permanent resident status. Some have been presented with forms to voluntarily surrender their green cards. Legal experts like immigration attorney Brad Bernstein note that CBP is increasingly treating green card holders with the same scrutiny applied to tourists or students. One case highlighted by Bernstein involved a green card holder detained after returning from a three-month business trip in Jamaica. The individual, a New York resident, was asked whether he truly lived in the US and was pressured to surrender his green card. He refused and was eventually allowed to re-enter the country. He described the experience as "disheartening," saying it felt as though he wasn't welcome anymore. Real-life examples of scrutiny Green card holders are increasingly facing difficulties at US entry points. Cliona Ward, a 54-year-old resident of Santa Cruz, California, was detained at San Francisco International Airport in April 2024 after a brief trip to Dublin. Ward, who has lived in the US since she was 12, had two felony convictions related to drug possession in 2007 and 2008. Although the convictions were expunged after she completed rehabilitation, Ward was detained for over a week, despite maintaining sobriety for almost two decades. Immigration authorities have not provided records of her case, and her lawyer has yet to receive an official hearing date. The Trump administration's impact on immigration The Trump administration's stance on immigration has led to stricter enforcement at border checkpoints, as well as heightened vetting of foreign nationals, including green card holders. Some of the policies implemented by the administration include social media screenings for evidence of antisemitism, which could affect green card holders and immigrants applying for visas. These heightened security measures, part of the 'advanced vetting' process, have drawn backlash from allied countries such as Germany, which has updated travel advisories for its citizens traveling to the US. Precautions green card holders should take before traveling Immigration lawyers recommend that green card holders take several steps to safeguard their residency status before traveling abroad: Apply for a re-entry permit : For those planning to be outside the US for six months or longer, immigration lawyer Michael Wildes advises applying for a re-entry permit. This permit, which allows re-entry after up to two years abroad, serves as proof that the green card holder does not intend to abandon their legal status. It's also advisable to carry the receipt for the application if the permit has not arrived before departure. Consider global entry : Green card holders who travel frequently may want to apply for Global Entry, a program offered by CBP that expedites the clearance process for re-entering the US. This program can significantly reduce the time spent at border checkpoints and may help minimize scrutiny when traveling internationally. Green card holders should be aware of the shifting immigration landscape and take proactive steps to ensure their status remains secure while traveling outside the US. With increased scrutiny at borders and potential pressure to abandon residency, it's critical to understand both the risks and precautions associated with international travel. By staying informed and following legal advice, green card holders can navigate these challenges and continue to enjoy the benefits of permanent residency in the United States.
New York Times
01-05-2025
- New York Times
What Green Card Holders Should Know in Preparing to Travel Outside the U.S.
The Trump administration's crackdown on immigration has fueled anxiety at airports, border crossings and other U.S. ports of entry, with visa holders and tourists concerned that they may be detained or deported. Even some green card holders have faced increased scrutiny. A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a legal authorization to live and work in the United States permanently. In the past, green card holders traveled in and out of the country with less worry than other foreign nationals, but the administration's restrictive approach at the borders — and stronger enforcement against green card holders who have committed crimes — has changed all that. Michael Wildes, an immigration lawyer and law professor in New York, said that citizens and green card holders alike have contacted him since President Trump took office to inquire about his services if they get stopped at the border. Another immigration lawyer, Brad Bernstein, has taken to TikTok to debunk concerns and offer advice to travelers with green cards. Here's what to know about the rights a green card holder is entitled to and how to travel on a green card. What Rights Do Green Card Holders Have? Lawful permanent residents, who are often referred to as 'green card holders,' are allowed to live and work in the United States, receive Social Security, Medicare and college financial aid, and serve in the military, according to the Department of Homeland Security. They may also apply for citizenship after five years of legal permanent residency, or three years if they marry a U.S. citizen. Residents must be in the United States for at least 913 days in that five-year period to maintain eligibility for citizenship, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security. The department estimates that there were 12.8 million green card holders living in the United States on Jan. 1, 2024, an increase of 70,000 from the year before. 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, ranging from speeding to a more serious offense, can be denied entry to the United States or deported, but the government usually hasn't targeted those people unless they have committed major crimes, according to legal experts. Green card holders also must provide consistent information across travel forms. For example, the answers to questions on a green card form must match the answers provided in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, the application required for most European travelers to the United States. While green card holders can spend up to 365 consecutive days outside the United States, any duration longer than six months can 'raise eyebrows,' Mr. Wildes said. Spending more than six months outside the country can also reset the number of years required to be eligible to apply for citizenship. Some green card holders who have been out of the country for an extended period say they have recently been pressured to give up their status by Customs and Border Protection agents, according to Mr. Bernstein. He said that some of his clients who are green card holders have been presented with forms used to abandon their lawful permanent resident status. Customs and Border Protection, Mr. Bernstein said, 'has taken on treating lawful permanent residents in a similar vein that they treat visitors and students, which is that they are going to be the judge and jury.' According to a spokeswoman for Customs and Border Protection, the agency presents those forms only when a permanent resident arrives from a foreign country at a port of entry and voluntarily expresses a desire to surrender their green card. One of Mr. Bernstein's clients, a green card holder who lives in New York with his family, said he was detained in March at a Florida airport after returning from a three-month business trip to oversee a real estate project in Jamaica, where he lived before moving to the United States. The man, who asked not to be identified over concerns about his residency, said he was pulled aside for secondary inspection, where agents expressed their doubts about whether he really lived in the United States. At one point, he said, a form used to abandon legal permanent residence was presented, and he was told he should relinquish his green card and instead apply for a work permit to enter the United States. He refused, was admitted into the country and is now back in New York. He described the experience as disheartening, saying it felt like he wasn't welcome anymore. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to questions about the incident. Another green card holder, Cliona Ward, 54, who has lived in Santa Cruz, Calif., since she was 12 years old, was detained at San Francisco International Airport on April 21 when she returned from a seven-day trip to Dublin. Ms. Ward had two felony convictions in 2007 and 2008 related to drug possession from a brief period of addiction she experienced, according to her sister, Orla Holladay. According to Ms. Holladay, those convictions were expunged — meaning the conviction would be essentially removed from the criminal record — after Ms. Ward completed a rehabilitation program, and she has maintained her sobriety for almost 20 years. Her sister described her as a taxpayer who is in the country legally and is a part of the community. Erin Hall, Ms. Ward's lawyer, said that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which handles such cases, has not provided any criminal records. The agency declined to comment. Ms. Ward has been in detention for a week and has no date set for a hearing on her case. What Travel Restrictions Has the United States Enacted? As part of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration agenda, border checkpoints have enacted what the White House refers to as 'advanced vetting.' The measures, which include detaining and deporting tourists, have led allied countries, like Germany, to update travel advisories for their citizens about traveling to the United States The Department of Homeland Security in April announced that it would screen immigrants' social media for evidence of antisemitism, which it said would be grounds for 'denying immigration benefit requests.' The screen looks for evidence of 'endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism,' according to the statement. The measure applies to those applying for green cards, foreign students and other immigrants 'affiliated with educational institutions linked to antisemitic activity.' In recent months, the Trump administration has had a number of Pro-Palestinian protesters — some green card holders, others with student visas — arrested and detained on account of their on-campus activity. What Precautions Should Green Card Holders Take? Mr. Wildes said that any green card holder looking to travel outside of the United States for six months or longer should apply for a re-entry permit, which allows lawful permanent residents to re-enter 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. If the permit doesn't arrive before departure from the United States, Mr. Wildes recommended traveling with the receipt of the application. Mr. Wildes also recommended that green card holders who travel frequently apply for Global Entry, a C.B.P. program that expedites the clearance process when entering the United States.
