Most lawful permanent residents (LPRs) reenter the U.S. without incident, but immigration attorneys and advocacy groups report a concerning trend: an increasing number of green card holders are being detained, interrogated, and even pressured to surrender their residency rights at ports of entry.
Legal experts warn that these encounters—often marked by confusion, intimidation, or alleged coercion—can have severe consequences, including revocation of legal status and forced family separations.
What’s Driving the Increase?
While no formal policy change has been announced, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers retain broad discretion during inspections. In the current enforcement environment, non-citizens—including long-term green card holders—face intensified scrutiny. Key risk factors include:
Extended travel abroad (particularly stays exceeding six months)
Pending green card renewals or applications
Prior immigration violations or deportation orders
Political or activist affiliations (e.g., pro-Palestinian advocacy flagged by groups like Canary Mission)
Elderly travelers, especially from the Indian diaspora
Gaps in U.S. residency or weak proof of ties to the country
Notably, the category of green card—whether family-based, employment-based, or otherwise—does not appear to influence risk. Instead, CBP assessments focus on individual history and perceived intent to maintain U.S. residency.
Advocates urge affected LPRs to know their rights and seek legal counsel if confronted at the border.
Related topics:
- Understanding the Immigration Pass System in Singapore
- Understanding Undocumented Immigrants: Realities & Complexities
- U.S. Immigration Agencies Tighten Marriage-Based Green Card Procedures in 2025
