US Customs and Border Protection Issues Warning to Green Card Holders

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a formal advisory alerting lawful permanent residents that criminal histories now pose a greater risk to their immigration status, potentially leading to removal proceedings. 

The agency's notice highlights the federal government's intensified focus on immigration enforcement and its commitment to upholding national security.

The CBP emphasises that Green Card status is a conditional privilege, not an inherent right, and those who violate US laws, particularly through criminal behaviour, may face detention and deportation. 

The agency's statement, "Having a criminal history does not make you an upstanding lawful permanent resident," reflects a stricter stance towards individuals with prior convictions.

While compliance with US law has always been fundamental to lawful permanent residency, this renewed emphasis signals a shift towards more proactive enforcement. Green Card holders arriving at American ports of entry may be subject to mandatory detention if previous criminal convictions are identified. 

The government maintains its legal authority to revoke residency status for individuals deemed to have violated statutory requirements, thereby reinforcing that immigration benefits are revocable under federal law. CBP officials assert that their broader mission encompasses protecting the American populace, securing the borders, and sustaining the nation's economic well-being. 

According to the agency, "Under our nation's laws, our government has the authority to revoke your Green Card if our laws are broken and abused." 

The development raises legal and humanitarian questions surrounding proportionality and due process. Revocation mechanisms have long existed within immigration law, but their application can vary widely depending on the nature of the offence, the time elapsed, and an individual's ties to the US. 

Some advocates argue that blanket detention policies may overlook rehabilitation and complicate cases involving minor infractions. The advisory serves as both a procedural notice and a warning. It reminds Green Card holders that residency privileges come with binding legal obligations and that any lapse in compliance could trigger serious consequences.