Key Takeaways
• DOJ claims the Attorney General can revoke green cards at any time, for any reason, raising concerns for 12.8 million holders.
• Judge Freeman labeled the DOJ’s position as “extraordinary,” questioning its impact on long-term permanent residents’ rights and stability.
• Policy shift ties to Operation Take Back America and orders to hire 20,000 officers for stricter immigration enforcement under Trump.
The Justice Department’s Claim on Green Card Revocation: What’s at Stake for Immigrants in the United States
The Justice Department (DOJ) recently made a strong claim about how much power the Attorney General holds over green cards in the United States. During a hearing at the Third Circuit Court in Philadelphia, DOJ attorney Lindsay Murphy argued that Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is the nation’s top law officer, has the full power to revoke green cards at any time and for any reason—even for people who have lived in the U.S. for many years as permanent residents. This claim, if accepted, could affect millions of people and reshape what it means to hold a green card in the United States.
Let’s look closely at what happened, why this matters, and what it could mean for those who carry green cards today.
The Case That Brought This Claim Forward
This argument from the DOJ came up during a case focused on Mohammad Qatanani, an imam born in Palestine who has lived in New Jersey since 1996. The U.S. government has tried to deport him, claiming he has links to Hamas, which he strongly denies. As the case played out, Judge Arianna Freeman asked DOJ lawyer Lindsay Murphy if there was a time limit on when the government could review or take away someone’s green card.
Murphy responded clearly: “There’s no time limit in the law. Green cards could be looked at again—even 10 or 20 years after someone first got one.” This statement stunned many observers, including Judge Freeman, who described the government’s position as “extraordinary.”
A Shift in U.S. Immigration Enforcement
The DOJ’s claim comes amid a wider move by the Trump administration to increase immigration checks and deportations. In January 2025, Acting Deputy Attorney General Bove sent out a memo telling all DOJ branch offices to spend more effort and people on immigration enforcement.
Different government law agencies—like the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), FBI, DEA, ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Prisons—were ordered to create national programs focused directly on immigration crimes. These programs were also told to collect data and personal information on non-citizens in the country unlawfully.
This all fits with “Operation Take Back America,” an effort that President Trump’s administration says will remove millions of undocumented immigrants from the United States. President Trump has also given the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, the goal of hiring 20,000 new officers to help carry out these deportations.
What Rights Do Green Card Holders Have?
A green card is proof that someone is a legal permanent resident of the United States. Green card holders have many rights that are similar to citizens, though there are some differences. For instance, with a green card, you can:
- Live and work legally anywhere in the U.S.
- Get Social Security and Medicare benefits if you qualify
- Apply for student financial aid
- Serve in the military and, in some cases, get federal or state jobs
Having a green card also helps people eventually apply for U.S. citizenship, if they decide that’s what they want.
Because green card holders build their lives in America—buying homes, starting businesses, and raising families—the idea that the Attorney General could take away their green cards at any time for any reason is causing a lot of fear and confusion.
How Many People Could Be Affected?
The numbers are big. There are about 12.8 million people holding green cards in the United States today. This group includes people who came recently and those who have lived here for decades, often coming from every part of the world.
If the courts allow the Justice Department’s claim to stand, all these people could see their legal status put at risk. The message: no matter how long you’ve lived here, and even if you followed every rule, your green card could still be taken away—without any time limit.
What Are the Rules Right Now?
Usually, the U.S. government cannot take away (or “revoke”) a green card for no reason. There are rules in place, and specific crimes or problems—such as certain criminal convictions, fraud, or being absent from the U.S. for years—might cause someone to lose their green card status. To start this process, the government generally needs to follow strict steps and show clear proof.
But in the recent court hearing, DOJ attorney Murphy said that Attorney General Pam Bondi could decide what counts as an “exceptional circumstance,” and that there’s no clear definition in the law. Murphy’s statement leaves open the idea that decisions could be made for almost any reason, as determined by the Attorney General at that time.
Many legal experts and immigrant advocates worry that this opens the door to unfair treatment, depending on shifts in government policy and politics.
What Are the Views of the Judges?
U.S. Circuit Judge Arianna Freeman seemed both surprised and troubled by the argument made by Murphy from the Justice Department. Judge Freeman pointed out how serious this idea is by calling it “extraordinary.”
The judge’s reaction signals that the court may not easily accept such a broad view of the Attorney General’s power. Courts often look to protect the rights of people who have followed the rules and have been approved to live in the United States for many years.
What Would Happen If the DOJ’s Argument Wins?
If the courts agree with the DOJ’s statement, the effects could be very wide. Green card holders might no longer feel secure in their status—even after decades of lawful living in the U.S. Families could be separated if a parent’s or spouse’s green card is suddenly revoked. Employers might worry that talented workers could lose their right to stay and contribute.
Here’s what could change for green card holders:
- Long-term uncertainty about their future in the U.S.
- More people scared of speaking out or taking part in public life, fearing attention
- Impact on home ownership, education, jobs, and business investments for immigrants
- More legal battles and backlogs, as more decisions are challenged in court
Background: Immigration Enforcement in the Trump Administration
The Trump administration has made immigration a key part of its policies. Under President Trump, the DOJ and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have both increased efforts to find and remove people in the country unlawfully. Orders have been given to add 20,000 enforcement officers, and high-profile operations and lawsuits are underway. For example:
- Attorney General Pam Bondi filed lawsuits against New York, saying the state was interfering with federal control of immigration rules.
- The Justice Department also filed complaints against Illinois and possibly other states for actions seen as challenging federal power.
- These efforts are part of a promised plan to deport millions of undocumented people and to tighten rules around legal immigration, like green cards.
The DOJ’s central claim about the Attorney General’s power to revoke green cards links directly to these broader actions.
Reaction from Legal and Immigrant Advocacy Groups
Groups that work with immigrants called the DOJ’s claim alarming. They point out that, for years, green cards have offered a path to stability, family, and progress. Taking away that security—and giving one person so much power—could damage lives and faith in the legal system.
Some legal experts also question the claim, arguing that it goes against well-settled rules and the basic idea that permanent residents are entitled to protection under U.S. law, including a fair process before losing their status.
Pam Bondi’s Role and Broader Legal Strategy
As Attorney General, Pam Bondi has taken a lead position in the administration’s efforts to increase immigration enforcement. She is closely linked to the push for tougher laws and stronger action by the Justice Department. Bondi has spoken about the need for the federal government, not states, to control immigration—and has begun lawsuits to make sure federal rules are followed nationwide.
Her name has become strongly tied to high-profile legal fights, both for and against stricter immigration rules. By supporting this new power to revoke green cards, the Attorney General helps set the tone for how immigration laws are enforced coast to coast.
Long-Term Effects: What’s Next for Green Card Holders?
The main worry for many people is that, if the DOJ’s claim gets support from the courts, green card holders will live with ongoing uncertainty. Buying a home, starting a family, planning for college, and making long-term investments—all could become much harder if permanent residents are worried they might lose their status at any time.
Employers may think twice about hiring or training workers on green cards, and schools might find it harder to attract students if those students’ status could be in danger even years after arrival.
According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, many families could face new legal fees, waiting times, and challenges as more people seek legal help to protect their right to stay.
Green Cards and Legal Safeguards
Currently, the process for someone to lose a green card includes several steps, and the person often has a right to go before an immigration judge. But giving the Attorney General wide power without time or reason limits could cause confusion for immigrants and the lawyers who help them.
For more information about how green cards work and current government policy, the official United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website provides details on lawful permanent residency and related processes.
What Green Card Holders Need to Know
If you’re a green card holder or hope to become one, here are a few important points:
- The current claim from the DOJ is being debated in court. No final decision has been made yet.
- Until courts rule, permanent residents still have rights and a process to protect their status
- Staying informed and keeping up-to-date paperwork is more important than ever
- If you face any legal trouble, it’s wise to consult an immigration attorney for advice
Conclusion: Watching Closely as the Courts Decide
The Justice Department’s argument about the Attorney General’s power to revoke green cards at any time has brought new attention to the rights and security of permanent residents. While this case began with Mohammad Qatanani, its outcome could reach far beyond one person, possibly affecting over 12 million people who carry green cards today.
As federal courts hear these arguments, green card holders, families, and employers across the country are watching closely. The final decision could set the tone for years to come—and may shift how safe and settled permanent residency really is in the United States. The coming months will help decide whether the Attorney General’s power is as vast as claimed, or whether courts will keep stronger checks in place to protect America’s permanent residents.
Learn Today
Attorney General → The top law enforcement officer in the United States, overseeing the Justice Department and federal legal matters.
Green card → An identification card granting legal permanent residency and work authorization to non-citizens in the United States.
Revocation → The official withdrawal or cancellation of a legal status or privilege, in this context, a green card.
Operation Take Back America → A federal initiative aiming to increase deportations and immigration law enforcement, launched by the Trump administration.
Exceptional circumstance → A vague legal standard allowing broad discretion to revoke green cards for undefined reasons, determined by the Attorney General.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Justice Department argues the Attorney General can revoke green cards anytime, igniting concern among millions. This power shift, if courts agree, threatens the stability of permanent residents. As cases like Qatanani’s unfold, green card holders must watch legal developments and protect their rights with up-to-date documentation and legal advice.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• Third Circuit Asked to Let AG Yank Green Cards Anytime
• Kseniia Petrova, Harvard Medical School scientist with green card, faces deportation
• Green card holder removed from flight by U.S. Customs over restraining order
• Alien Enemies Act Gets Green Light from Judge Haines
• United States government tightens rules for marriage-based green cards
