MAGA Green Card Holder Denied US Reentry After 40 Years Abroad

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Key Takeaways

• Chris Landry, green card holder since 1981, was denied U.S. reentry in July 2025 due to minor past convictions.
• Trump administration’s Project 2025 enforces stricter rules, expanded expedited removal, and longer green card processing delays.
• TPS revoked for 70,000+ Hondurans and Nicaraguans, effective September 2025, increasing deportation risk for humanitarian recipients.

A recent case involving Chris Landry, a longtime green card holder and supporter of the MAGA movement, has brought new attention to the risks faced by lawful permanent residents in the United States 🇺🇸—especially those with past legal troubles. As of July 2025, several policy changes and enforcement actions under the Trump administration have made the immigration landscape more challenging for many, including those who have lived in the country for decades. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and the broader implications for green card holders and their families.

Summary of What Changed

MAGA Green Card Holder Denied US Reentry After 40 Years Abroad

In July 2025, Chris Landry, a 46-year-old Canadian citizen and green card holder since 1981, was denied reentry into the United States 🇺🇸 after a trip to Canada 🇨🇦. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) cited his past misdemeanor convictions—marijuana possession in 2004 and driving on a suspended license in 2007—as the reason for denying him entry. Landry, who had lived in New Hampshire for most of his life and is a father of five, was detained for five hours at the Houlton, Maine port of entry and described feeling “treated like a criminal.” He is now staying with family in New Brunswick, Canada 🇨🇦, separated from his children, and is seeking a hearing before an immigration judge to return to the United States 🇺🇸.

This case is not isolated. It reflects a broader shift in immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, especially as outlined in Project 2025. The administration has introduced stricter rules for green card holders, expanded the use of expedited removal, and rolled back several humanitarian protections. These changes have increased the risk of detention and deportation for lawful permanent residents, even for minor offenses committed years ago.

Who Is Affected

The recent changes and enforcement actions affect several groups:

Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) with any criminal history, even minor misdemeanors, face increased scrutiny at ports of entry and risk being denied reentry or placed in removal proceedings.
Families of green card holders may experience separation and uncertainty if a family member is detained or denied entry.
Applicants for green card renewal or replacement are facing much longer wait times, with processing delays now stretching over eight months for many cases.
Individuals from countries affected by the 2025 travel ban or those on the watchlist may also face additional hurdles, although green card holders are generally not directly targeted by the ban itself.
Recipients of humanitarian protections such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), DACA, and certain visas are at risk due to policy rollbacks.

Effective Dates

Denial of reentry for Chris Landry: July 2025
Revocation of TPS for Hondurans and Nicaraguans: Effective September 2025
Green card processing delays: Ongoing, with significant increases reported in early 2025
Expanded expedited removal and enforcement actions: Announced and implemented throughout 2024–2025

Required Actions for Green Card Holders

If you are a green card holder, especially with any past criminal convictions, it is important to take the following steps:

Review your criminal history: Even minor offenses from years ago can affect your ability to reenter the United States 🇺🇸. Consult with an immigration attorney if you have any concerns about your record.
Carry all relevant documents: When traveling, bring court records, proof of sentence completion, and any legal documents related to past convictions.
Be prepared for inspection: At the port of entry, CBP officers will review your immigration status and may ask about your criminal history. Answer truthfully and provide documentation if requested.
Know your rights: If detained or denied entry, you have the right to request a hearing before an immigration judge. You may also seek legal representation.
Monitor policy updates: Immigration policies are changing rapidly. Stay informed through official sources such as USCIS.gov, which provides the latest information on green card requirements and procedures.
Plan for delays: If you need to renew or replace your green card, apply as early as possible due to long processing times. Use the official Form I-90 for green card renewal or replacement.

Implications for Pending Applications and Families

Processing Delays: According to recent USCIS data, green card renewal and replacement wait times have increased by nearly 1,000% in early 2025. The median wait time has jumped from less than a month to over eight months. More than 356,000 cases were pending at the end of Q2 FY2025, and 80% of green card replacements could take over a year to process.
Family Separation: Cases like Landry’s highlight the risk of long-term separation from loved ones. There is no guarantee of quick reunification, and legal proceedings can take months or even years.
Legal Uncertainty: Green card holders with any criminal history face a higher risk of detention and removal, even for offenses that resulted in suspended sentences or fines. The Trump administration’s policies leave little room for discretion at the border.
Emotional and Financial Strain: Detention, legal fees, and extended stays outside the United States 🇺🇸 can cause significant stress and financial hardship for families.

Details of the New Enforcement Approach

The Trump administration’s Project 2025 has brought several major changes:

Elimination of Sensitive Zones: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can now conduct raids in places that were previously considered off-limits, such as schools, hospitals, and religious institutions.
Nationwide Expedited Removal: Deportations can now happen quickly and without a court hearing for many non-citizens, including some green card holders with criminal records.
Repeal of Humanitarian Programs: The administration has targeted programs like TPS, DACA, and U/T visas, removing protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants.
Changes to Family-Based Immigration: The Diversity Visa Lottery and many family-based immigration pathways are being eliminated or restricted, with a shift toward a merit-based system.
Revocation of TPS: In July 2025, the administration announced the end of TPS for more than 70,000 Hondurans and Nicaraguans, effective September 2025.

Official Statements and Government Position

CBP has defended its actions, stating, “Possessing a green card is a privilege, not a right, and under our nation’s laws, our government has the authority to revoke a green card if our laws are broken and abused. Lawful Permanent Residents presenting at a U.S. port of entry with previous criminal convictions may be subject to mandatory detention and/or may be asked to provide additional documentation to be set up for an immigration hearing.”

USCIS echoed this stance in May 2025, posting: “Green cards and visas will be revoked if an alien breaks the law, supports terrorism, overstays their permitted visit time, performs illegal work, or anything else that violates the terms on which we granted them this privilege or compromises the safety of our fellow Americans.”

Step-by-Step Process for Green Card Holders with Prior Convictions

Travel Outside the U.S.: Green card holders can travel internationally, but reentry is not automatic.
Inspection at Port of Entry: CBP officers review your documents and check for any criminal history.
If Convictions Are Found: You may be detained and referred for further immigration proceedings.
Immigration Hearing: You may need to appear before an immigration judge, who will decide if you can reenter or if removal proceedings will begin.
Possible Outcomes: The judge may allow reentry, order removal, or require more documentation or legal steps.

Broader Implications and Perspectives

Enforcement Focus: The Trump administration and CBP are focused on strict enforcement of immigration laws, arguing that this protects public safety and the integrity of the system. They believe that green card holders who break the law should lose their privilege to live in the United States 🇺🇸.
Critics’ Concerns: Advocacy groups and critics argue that these policies undermine due process and can lead to unfair or disproportionate punishment, especially for long-term residents with minor offenses. They also warn that rolling back humanitarian protections will harm families and local communities.
Family and Community Impact: The case of Chris Landry shows how even small legal problems from the past can have life-changing consequences, leading to family separation, financial hardship, and emotional distress.

Background and Historical Context

Green card holders, also known as lawful permanent residents, have the right to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸. However, this status is not absolute. Reentry after international travel is always subject to inspection, and any criminal conviction—no matter how minor—can trigger detention, removal proceedings, or loss of permanent resident status. While these rules have existed for years, enforcement has become much stricter under the Trump administration.

Recent Trends

Increased Detentions and Deportations: The administration has made immigration enforcement a top priority, leading to more detentions and deportations, even for minor offenses.
Longer Processing Times: Green card renewals and replacements are taking much longer, leaving many in legal limbo.
Policy Uncertainty: With ongoing changes, green card holders must be extra careful when traveling or applying for benefits.

Future Outlook

Continued Strict Enforcement: The Trump administration is expected to keep focusing on enforcement, with more rollbacks of humanitarian protections and increased deportations likely.
Legal Challenges: Advocacy groups and affected individuals may challenge these policies in court, especially those that impact long-term residents and families.
Advice for Green Card Holders: If you have any criminal history, consult an immigration attorney before traveling outside the United States 🇺🇸. Stay updated on policy changes and be prepared for possible delays or legal proceedings.

Key Facts and Figures

Chris Landry’s Case: Denied reentry in July 2025 due to past misdemeanors; separated from his five children in the United States 🇺🇸.
Green Card Processing Delays: Wait times have increased by 1,000%, with over 356,000 cases pending as of Q2 FY2025.
Policy Changes: TPS revoked for 70,000+ Hondurans and Nicaraguans, effective September 2025.
Official Contacts: For more information, visit USCIS.gov, CBP.gov, or DHS.gov.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

If you are a green card holder with a criminal record: Do not travel outside the United States 🇺🇸 without first consulting an immigration attorney. If you must travel, bring all legal documents and be prepared for questions at the border.
If you are applying for green card renewal or replacement: Apply as early as possible using Form I-90 and expect long wait times.
If you are affected by TPS or other humanitarian program changes: Seek legal advice and monitor updates from USCIS and advocacy organizations.
For legal help: Contact the American Immigration Lawyers Association at aila.org.

Conclusion

The case of Chris Landry, a MAGA supporter and green card holder, shows how recent policy changes in the United States 🇺🇸 are affecting even longtime residents. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Trump administration’s focus on strict enforcement, combined with new rules and longer processing times, has created a more uncertain and risky environment for green card holders and their families. Anyone with a green card—especially those with any criminal history—should stay informed, seek legal advice, and take extra care when traveling or applying for immigration benefits. The situation is likely to remain challenging in the months ahead, with further policy changes and legal battles expected.

For the most current and official information on green card requirements, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. Staying informed and prepared is the best way to protect your status and your family’s future in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

Green Card → A lawful permanent resident status allowing non-citizens to live and work permanently in the United States.
Expedited Removal → A process enabling rapid deportation of certain non-citizens without a full immigration court hearing.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A humanitarian program protecting eligible nationals from specified countries from deportation temporarily.
Project 2025 → Trump administration’s immigration plan imposing stricter enforcement and restricting protections for immigrants.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing immigration benefits and enforcement.

This Article in a Nutshell

Chris Landry’s denied U.S. reentry highlights stricter Trump-era immigration rules for green card holders with past offenses. Project 2025 expands expedited removal and cuts humanitarian protections, causing delays and emotional hardship for many families, increasing risks even for long-term lawful residents with minor criminal records.
— By VisaVerge.com