2 days ago
‘A privilege, not a right': Trump administration puts green card holders on notice
Are you traveling abroad with a green card as a guarantee of your re-entry into the United States?
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) warns that you may experience difficulty entering under certain circumstances.
The Trump Administration's new immigration policies include stricter screening of those entering the country through any port of entry, including those with legal permanent resident status.
The CBP published a strongly-worded message on social media Tuesday detailing the current conditions for green card holders returning to the United States.
'Having a criminal record does not make you an honorable legal permanent resident. Possessing a green card is a privilege, not a right,' warns the CBP post.
The agency notes that the United States government, 'under the laws of our nation,' has the authority to revoke green cards if laws are violated or abused.
'In addition to immigration removal proceedings, lawful permanent residents who present themselves at a U.S. port of entry with prior criminal convictions may be subject to mandatory detention,' the notice states.
The warning is similar to previous messages directed at visa holders, in which federal agencies emphasize that immigration benefits can be revoked, which could lead to deportation.
Under the Trump administration, foreigners have been deported even for minor offenses such as driving under the influence (DWI), according to official reports.
This informational offensive by the administration includes various federal agencies, including the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which has also issued statements about stricter rules for granting immigration benefits, including permanent residency.
The warnings also extend to international travelers entering through the Visa Waiver Program with ESTA electronic authorization, who could also face penalties if they violate the program's conditions.
