CBP Warns Green Card Holders: Residency Is a Privilege, Not a Right

Key Takeaways

• CBP enforces stricter rules on green card holders starting July 2025, requiring proof of U.S. ties and legal compliance.
• All noncitizens aged 14+ must register with USCIS and carry proof; failure risks fines and jail time.
• OBBBA reduces green card holders’ access to SNAP, Medicaid, and ACA tax credits starting 2025-2026.

In July 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) delivered a strong message to green card holders: “It’s a privilege, not a right.” This warning is not just words—it comes with new rules, stricter checks, and real consequences for those who do not follow the updated requirements. These changes affect how green card holders travel, what documents they must carry, and even their access to public benefits. Here’s a detailed update on what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for pending and future applications.

Summary of What Changed

As of July 2025, CBP has started enforcing new rules for green card holders. The main changes include:

• Stricter travel checks: Even small legal problems, like unpaid fines or old DUIs, can now cause problems when re-entering the United States 🇺🇸.
• Proof of U.S. ties: Green card holders must show strong connections to the United States 🇺🇸, such as a job, family, or property.
• Registration requirements: All noncitizens aged 14 and older, including green card holders, must register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and carry proof of registration at all times.
• Reduced access to public benefits: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) cuts access to programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and ACA tax credits for many immigrants, including green card holders.
• Expanded expedited removal: More undocumented people can now be quickly removed from the United States 🇺🇸, even if they have been in the country for up to two years.
• Birthright citizenship limits: Some children born in the United States 🇺🇸 to noncitizen mothers may no longer get automatic citizenship.

Let’s look at each of these changes in detail, who is affected, and what steps green card holders need to take.

Who Is Affected

These changes impact all green card holders—also known as lawful permanent residents—living in or traveling to the United States 🇺🇸. The new rules also affect other noncitizens, especially those who:

• Have any legal issues, even minor ones
• Have spent long periods outside the United States 🇺🇸
• Rely on public benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or ACA tax credits
• Are planning to have children in the United States 🇺🇸 but do not have permanent status

Effective Dates

• CBP travel scrutiny: Effective July 2025
• Alien registration requirement: Effective April 11, 2025
• OBBBA benefit restrictions: SNAP changes are immediate; Medicaid and CHIP changes start October 1, 2026; ACA tax credit changes start December 31, 2026; ACA exchange changes start December 31, 2025
• Expedited removal expansion: Effective January 2025
• Birthright citizenship executive order: Applies to births after February 19, 2025

Required Actions for Green Card Holders

To avoid problems at the border or with immigration authorities, green card holders must take several important steps:

1. Prepare for Travel and Re-entry

• Carry your green card at all times. This is your main proof of legal status.
• Bring extra documents when traveling: CBP officers may ask for proof that you still live in the United States 🇺🇸. Bring recent tax returns, a lease or mortgage statement, utility bills, and proof of employment.
• If you have been outside the United States 🇺🇸 for a long time: Bring a valid re-entry permit. If you do not have one, be ready to explain why you were away and show you still plan to live in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Resolve any legal issues before traveling: Even small problems like unpaid traffic tickets, old DUIs, or tax issues can now cause delays or denial of re-entry.

2. Meet Registration and Address Requirements

• Register with USCIS: All noncitizens aged 14 and older must register and carry proof. For green card holders, your green card usually counts as proof, but you must also keep your address up to date.
• File Form AR-11 for address changes: If you move, you must tell USCIS within 10 days. You can file Form AR-11 online.
• Penalties for not registering or updating your address: You could face a fine of up to $5,000, up to six months in jail, or both.

3. Understand Benefit Restrictions

• SNAP (food stamps): Many green card holders are no longer eligible as of July 2025.
• Medicaid and CHIP: Changes start October 1, 2026. Some green card holders will lose access.
• Medicare: Changes are immediate, but current enrollees have 18 months from July 4, 2025, to stay in the program.
• ACA premium tax credits: Changes start December 31, 2026.
• ACA exchanges for low-income immigrants: Changes start December 31, 2025.
• Unsubsidized ACA coverage: Lawfully present immigrants earning at least 100% of the federal poverty level can still buy coverage, but without help paying for it.

4. Be Aware of Expedited Removal and Birthright Citizenship Changes

• Expedited removal: If you are undocumented and have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two years, you can now be removed quickly from anywhere in the country.
• Birthright citizenship: Children born in the United States 🇺🇸 to mothers who are not citizens or permanent residents may not get automatic citizenship unless the father is a citizen or permanent resident.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have a pending green card application, are waiting for a benefit decision, or are planning to travel, these changes could affect you:

• Travel plans: If you have any legal issues or have spent a long time outside the United States 🇺🇸, your re-entry could be delayed or denied.
• Benefit applications: If you are applying for SNAP, Medicaid, or ACA tax credits, check the new rules to see if you are still eligible.
• Pending address changes: Make sure you have filed Form AR-11 if you have moved recently.
• Pending legal issues: Resolve them before traveling or applying for benefits.

Detailed Guidance for Green Card Holders

Travel and Re-entry: What to Expect

CBP officers now have clear instructions to check green card holders more closely at ports of entry. Here’s what you should do:

• Before you travel: Gather your green card, passport, re-entry permit (if you have one), and documents that show you live in the United States 🇺🇸.
• At the border: Be ready to answer questions about your job, family, and home in the United States 🇺🇸. If you are sent to secondary inspection, stay calm and provide the documents they ask for.
• If you have been outside the United States 🇺🇸 for more than a year: You should have a re-entry permit. If not, you may be questioned about whether you have abandoned your permanent residency.
• If you have legal issues: Even small problems can now cause trouble. Fix any outstanding fines, taxes, or court matters before you travel.

Registration and Address Updates

All noncitizens aged 14 and older must register with USCIS and carry proof. For green card holders, this means:

• Always carry your green card.
• If you move, file Form AR-11 within 10 days. Not doing so can lead to fines or jail time.
• Keep copies of your registration and address change confirmation.

Benefit Restrictions: What Has Changed

The OBBBA law has made it harder for many green card holders to get public benefits. Here’s what you need to know:

• SNAP (food stamps): Most green card holders are now excluded.
• Medicaid and CHIP: Many green card holders will lose access starting October 1, 2026.
• Medicare: If you are already enrolled, you can stay for 18 more months from July 4, 2025.
• ACA tax credits: No longer available after December 31, 2026.
• ACA exchanges: You can still buy coverage, but you may not get help paying for it.

Expedited Removal and Birthright Citizenship

• Expedited removal: If you are undocumented and have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two years, you can be removed quickly from anywhere in the country, not just near the border.
• Birthright citizenship: If a child is born in the United States 🇺🇸 after February 19, 2025, and the mother is not a citizen or permanent resident, the child may not get automatic citizenship unless the father is a citizen or permanent resident.

Why These Changes Matter

CBP and the Department of Homeland Security say these changes are needed to protect national security and make sure only those who follow the rules get immigration benefits. They believe stricter checks will stop people from abusing the system and help keep jobs and resources for Americans.

On the other hand, immigrant rights groups say these rules are too harsh and can split up families or make life harder for people who follow the law. Legal experts warn that the new rules could lead to more court cases and questions about fairness.

Practical Steps for Green Card Holders

To protect your status and avoid problems, follow these steps:

• Always carry your green card and proof of address.
• Keep your address up to date with USCIS using Form AR-11.
• Fix any legal issues before traveling.
• Bring extra documents when traveling to show you live in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Check your eligibility for public benefits under the new rules.
• If you are unsure, talk to a qualified immigration lawyer.

What to Do If You Face Problems at the Border

If you are stopped by CBP when re-entering the United States 🇺🇸:

• Stay calm and polite.
• Show your green card and other documents.
• Answer questions honestly.
• If you are sent to secondary inspection, provide any extra documents they ask for.
• If you are denied entry or face problems, ask for a written explanation and contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

These changes are likely to stay in place for the near future. CBP and USCIS are expected to keep checking green card holders more closely, and more changes could come if new laws are passed. Some groups may challenge these rules in court, which could lead to changes or delays.

If you are a green card holder, it is more important than ever to stay informed, keep good records, and follow all rules. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these new policies show that the government is serious about enforcing immigration laws and making sure only those who follow the rules keep their permanent residency.

Where to Find More Information

For official information on alien registration, visit the USCIS Alien Registration Requirement page. For travel tips and updates, check the CBP travel page. If you need to update your address, use Form AR-11. If you have questions about your rights or need legal help, talk to a qualified immigration attorney.

Key Takeaways

• Green card holders face stricter checks at the border and must show strong ties to the United States 🇺🇸.
• All noncitizens aged 14 and older must register with USCIS and carry proof.
• Benefit rules have changed—many green card holders will lose access to SNAP, Medicaid, and ACA tax credits.
• Expedited removal now applies to more undocumented people, and birthright citizenship is limited for some children.
• Stay informed, keep your documents up to date, and get legal help if you have questions.

By following these steps and staying aware of the latest rules, green card holders can better protect their status and avoid problems with CBP and other immigration authorities.

Learn Today

CBP → U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency enforcing immigration and border security policies at U.S. entry points.
Green Card Holder → A lawful permanent resident authorized to live and work permanently in the United States.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, responsible for immigration benefit applications and registrations.
OBBBA → One Big Beautiful Bill Act, law reducing immigrant access to benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, and ACA credits.
Expedited Removal → Fast deportation process for undocumented immigrants in the U.S. under specific conditions.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting July 2025, green card holders face tougher border checks, mandatory USCIS registration, and reduced public benefits access. These changes emphasize legal compliance, proof of U.S. ties, and new penalties for noncompliance. Understanding and following these rules is vital to maintain permanent residency and travel freely within the United States.
— By VisaVerge.com