The United States Customs and Border Protection, CBP, has declared that lawful permanent residents—commonly known as Green Card holders—with prior criminal convictions are at risk of having their immigration status revoked and being deported from the country.
The CBP emphasized that holding a Green Card is not an inherent right but a conditional privilege that comes with legal responsibilities.
The statement was made public on Tuesday through an official advisory directed at Green Card holders and was part of the agency’s broader effort to tighten immigration compliance and enhance border security.
“Having a criminal history does not make you an upstanding lawful permanent resident,” the CBP said, in a direct message posted as part of the public notice.
The agency reiterated that the U.S. government maintains the authority to revoke permanent residency if an individual is found to have violated the country’s laws, especially through criminal behavior.
“Possessing a Green Card is a privilege, not a right,” the statement read. “Under our nation’s laws, our government has the authority to revoke your Green Card if our laws are broken and abused.”
Beyond revocation, CBP warned that such individuals may be subjected to mandatory detention when they attempt to re-enter the United States through any official port of entry.
This includes Green Card holders returning from trips abroad, even if their convictions are from many years prior.
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The advisory comes amid a broader national discussion on immigration enforcement and the balance between public safety and immigrant rights.
While the notice did not specify the types of criminal offenses that may trigger removal, U.S. immigration law generally considers a wide range of crimes—including drug offenses, fraud, and aggravated felonies—as grounds for deportation.
Immigration attorneys are advising Green Card holders with past convictions to consult legal counsel before international travel and to remain informed about how their history may affect their residency status.
The CBP stated that its mission is rooted in “protecting the American people, safeguarding our borders, and enhancing the nation’s economic security.”
The agency is expected to continue reinforcing its enforcement measures in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal bodies.
NAN
