Green Cards Under Scrutiny: A New Era of Deportations

Green Cards Under Scrutiny: A New Era of Deportations
As reported by EFE
Here are the details

Amid increasingly strict immigration policies in the United States, even legal immigrant communities are now living in fear of being detained or deported for reasons that previously would not have warranted such action.

The detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and green card holder, has raised alarms about the new standards being applied by the federal government.

Khalil’s case is particularly notable due to the use of a little-known provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Although Khalil has not been charged with any crime, he was detained and his legal status is now under review. This reflects a shift in how immigration laws are being enforced—with authorities applying legal tools in broader and stricter ways.

Green Cards Under Scrutiny: A New Era of Deportations

Former Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil covered up UNRWA work, US alleges https://t.co/batad4fcfo

– Bo Snerdyy (@Bosnerdyy) March 24, 2025

The Trump administration has ramped up immigration enforcement, focusing on individuals with criminal records or those who have violated visa conditions.

However, the detention of legal residents without criminal charges—like Khalil—has sparked concern and criticism from immigration lawyers and human rights advocates.

Jonathan Grode, an immigration attorney based in Philadelphia, noted that immigration laws have not changed, but “the referees are applying the rules differently.”

This harsher approach is making visa and green card holders fear detention or deportation over issues that previous administrations would have considered minor.

Universities on Alert over Trump’s Deportations

FIRE says the law that Trump is using to deport Mahmoud Khalil is unconstitutional. As a federal judge, Trump’s sister agreed. https://t.co/vwolpq40ls

– Reason (@Reason) March 24, 2025

The rise in deportations in the US has also alarmed universities.

Especially those with large international student populations.

Institutions like Brown University have issued advisories to staff and students from abroad.

They urge caution—particularly after one professor was deported upon returning from Lebanon.

Deportations Risks Upon Reentry to the US

États-Unis. Mahmoud Khalil, étudiant palestinien et prisonnier d’opinion https://t.co/ovs3emfukz

— Sid Ahmed Semiane (@SemianeSid) March 24, 2025

Reentering the US after international travel can become a high-risk moment for legal immigrants and even lead to deportations. Immigration officers have broad discretion to decide whether a visa holder is admissible.

If deemed inadmissible, visas can be revoked based on criminal history, security concerns, health conditions, or foreign policy considerations.

Even lawful permanent residents may face risks upon return.

Though they have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge, they can still be detained during the review of their case—causing anxiety and distress in communities that once believed themselves safe.

Legal Advice and Preventive Measures

Immigration lawyers and rights advocates emphasize the importance of knowing your legal rights if detained in this era of deportations.

Immigrants have the right to remain silent and to request an attorney if arrested.

It is also advised to always carry immigration documents and not to open the door to authorities without a signed judicial warrant.

These precautions aim to protect immigrants from potential abuse or arbitrary detention during this period of increased enforcement.

Additionally, human rights groups have voiced concern over the possible reinstatement of a travel ban that could target Muslim-majority or Middle Eastern countries—raising the stakes even further for vulnerable communities.

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