In a significant shift in immigration enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have intensified scrutiny of green card holders, with many facing extended questioning, detentions, and even deportation proceedings. Reports indicate that permanent residents, particularly those of Middle Eastern and South Asian origin, have been disproportionately affected.
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One such case is that of Mahmoud Khalil, an Egyptian-American green card holder who was detained for over 12 hours at Logan International Airport in Boston after a short trip to Canada. Officials questioned him about his religious beliefs and travel history before releasing him without explanation.
Trump Administration’s Policy Shift: Stricter Entry Rules for Green Card Holders
Under the Trump administration’s revised immigration policies, green card holders now face:
- Longer interrogations at U.S. entry points
- Increased document scrutiny (travel history, tax records, employment)
- Denials of re-entry for minor past infractions
- Expanded removal proceedings under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)
A CBP spokesperson defended the policy, stating, “Green card holders must demonstrate strong ties to the U.S. and full compliance with immigration laws to maintain their status.”
Personal Stories: Green Card Holders Speak Out
Case 1: Elderly Couple from India Detained
Rajiv and Meera Sharma, green card holders for 18 years, were detained for five hours at New York’s JFK airport after visiting their family in Delhi. Officials confiscated their phones and questioned them about a past tax dispute in India.
“We were treated like criminals. After 18 years of paying taxes in America, why should we be treated this way?” Rajiv told reporters.
Case 2: Engineer from Pakistan Denied Re-Entry
Mohammad Aziz, a software engineer from Texas, was denied re-entry at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport after a business trip to Dubai. Immigration officials cited a “national security concern” but provided no details. He is now fighting deportation in court.
Immigration Experts Warn of Legal Challenges
Immigration lawyers argue that these actions violate due process rights and could lead to legal battles against the federal government.
“Green card holders have constitutional protections, and the government cannot arbitrarily detain or deport them without cause,” said Attorney John Sandoval, an immigration expert.
Legal experts advise green card holders to:
- Carry proof of residency ties (job contracts, tax returns, property documents)
- Avoid extended stays abroad (more than six months)
- Consult an immigration attorney before travel
Government Response: Justified or Overreach?
Supporters of the policy argue that stricter vetting prevents fraud and security risks.
“We are ensuring that only those fully committed to the U.S. retain their green cards,” said a senior White House official.
However, human rights organizations warn that ethnic profiling and unjust detentions could alienate long-time U.S. residents.
“The U.S. risks pushing away skilled immigrants by creating unnecessary fear among green card holders,” said Amnesty International.
Comparing US Policy with Other Nations
How does the U.S. compare to other immigration-heavy nations?
Canada: Permanent residents face limited screening at airports unless flagged for criminal records.
UK: Residency holders must prove financial stability but are rarely detained.
Australia: Permanent residents face strict re-entry requirements after extended stays abroad.
Final Thoughts: Immigration Policy at a Crossroads
The intensified scrutiny of green card holders has sparked controversy and legal challenges, raising questions about:
- Are green card holders being unfairly targeted?
- Could this deter skilled immigrants from choosing the U.S.?
- Will legal battles force a policy reversal?
With 2025 elections approaching, immigration will remain a hot-button issue, shaping the future of U.S. policy.
By – Nikita
