In the current immigration environment, green card holders are experiencing an increase in border scrutiny that didn’t exist in previous years. Even individuals who have lived in the U.S. for decades are facing unexpected questioning, detainment, and—in some cases—pressure to surrender their permanent residency status. These changes highlight an important truth: permanent residency is not permanent protection.
Green cards allow you to live and work in the United States legally, but they fall short of the full security that comes with citizenship. And as enforcement becomes stricter at airports and ports of entry, the risks for green card holders are growing. Also, Green Cards cost you in the long term with renewals.
What’s Happening at the Borders?
In recent months, multiple green card holders have reported being stopped at airports and questioned about how much time they’ve spent abroad, whether they truly reside in the U.S., and even their past legal history. One individual returning from a short business trip overseas was pulled aside and interrogated about whether he intended to live permanently in the U.S. Officials presented him with a form to give up his green card—something he refused to sign. He was eventually let through but described the experience as shocking and humiliating.
In another case, a longtime California resident who had a past criminal record—fully resolved and expunged years ago—was detained upon arrival after a short vacation. Despite completing rehabilitation and rebuilding her life, she now faces immigration proceedings without a clear hearing date.
These are not isolated incidents. The tone at ports of entry has changed, and lawful permanent residents are being treated with the same level of suspicion typically reserved for temporary visa holders.
Why Green Cards Are No Longer Enough
Permanent residents are required to follow strict rules—many of which are not widely understood:
- Spending more than 6 months outside the U.S. can trigger questioning and disrupt your eligibility for citizenship.
- Any criminal offense, even one considered minor or long resolved, may be grounds for deportation.
- Officers at the border have the authority to question your intent to maintain U.S. residency.
- You can be presented with voluntary forms to relinquish your green card, even if you didn’t plan to give it up.
Recent reports indicate that some green card holders are being asked to sign these forms under pressure, often without full legal clarity on the consequences. If you need to consult with a lawyer click here.
U.S. Citizenship: The Strongest Protection
Citizenship provides the legal security that green cards cannot. As a U.S. citizen, you:
- Cannot be deported or denied reentry
- Have the right to vote and hold a U.S. passport
- Can sponsor close family members for immigration benefits
- Have full protection under U.S. law without the travel and reentry restrictions that green card holders face
Given today’s climate, green card holders should not delay. The process to become a U.S. citizen can take several months, and any legal or travel issues that arise before naturalization could complicate or block your application.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
If you’ve had your green card for five years (or three if married to a U.S. citizen), you may already be eligible to apply for citizenship. Waiting could expose you to unnecessary risk—especially if you plan to travel or have any unresolved legal issues, no matter how old they are.
Start your citizenship application now to secure your future and protect yourself from the uncertainty facing many permanent residents today.
