New U.S. Policies Heighten Deportation Risks for Green Card Holders

Key Takeaways

• As of July 9, 2025, expedited removal expands to all undocumented immigrants in the US under two years.
• Green card holders with any criminal record, even minor, face increased deportation risks.
• New registration for undocumented immigrants began April 11, 2025, possibly causing detentions.

As of July 9, 2025, important changes in U.S. immigration policy are affecting green card holders, undocumented immigrants, and asylum seekers. The government has made new rules and expanded old ones, especially around deportation and criminal records. These changes have created new risks and responsibilities for many people living in the United States 🇺🇸. Here’s a detailed look at what has changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what these changes mean for people with pending immigration cases.

Summary of What Changed

The U.S. government has expanded its use of expedited removal, which allows for faster deportations of certain immigrants without a court hearing. There are also stricter rules For green card holders with a criminal record. Even minor crimes can now lead to deportation and loss of permanent resident status. New registration requirements for some undocumented immigrants have also been introduced, which could lead to more detentions and deportations.

Who Is Affected

• Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) with any kind of criminal record, including minor offenses
• Undocumented immigrants who have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two years
• Asylum seekers who may be forced to wait outside the United States 🇺🇸 while their cases are processed

Effective Dates

• The new registration rule for some undocumented immigrants took effect on April 11, 2025.
• Expanded expedited removal procedures are already in place, though some parts are being challenged in court.
• The focus on deporting green card holders with criminal records is ongoing and has been strengthened by recent policy announcements.

Required Actions

• Green card holders: If you have a criminal record, consult an immigration attorney right away. Even old or minor convictions can put your status at risk.
• Undocumented immigrants: If you are required to register with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), do so only after getting legal advice. Registration could lead to detention or deportation.
• Asylum seekers: Stay updated on policy changes, especially if you are waiting for your case to be heard. You may need to remain outside the United States 🇺🇸 while your case is processed.
• All immigrants: Know your rights if you are detained. You have the right to a hearing and to legal representation.

Detailed Explanation of the Changes

Expedited Removal and Deportation Policies

The U.S. government has expanded the use of expedited removal. This means that certain undocumented immigrants can be deported quickly, sometimes within days, without seeing a judge. This policy now covers people who have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two years. Before, expedited removal was mostly used at the border, but now it can be used anywhere in the country.

For green card holders, the risk comes if you have a criminal record. The government can start removal (deportation) proceedings if you are convicted of certain crimes. These include:

• Violent crimes (like assault or robbery)
• Drug offenses
• Financial crimes (like fraud or theft)
• Immigration-related crimes (such as document fraud)
• Aggravated felonies (a legal term for serious crimes, but sometimes even less serious crimes are included)
• Crimes against national security

The legal basis for these actions comes from the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996. This law gives the government broad power to deport non-citizens, including green card holders, for a wide range of criminal convictions.

Trump Administration Policies

The Trump administration has made immigration enforcement a top priority. This includes:

• Proposals for mass deportations
• Restrictions on who can apply for asylum
• Executive orders to increase border control and vetting
• Attempts to change birthright citizenship rules

Some of these actions are being challenged in court, but the focus on enforcement and deportation remains strong.

Registration Requirement for Undocumented Immigrants

A new rule, effective April 11, 2025, requires some undocumented immigrants to register with DHS. This rule is aimed at people who entered the United States 🇺🇸 without permission and have not yet been caught. Registration could lead to detention and deportation, so it is very important to get legal advice before taking any action.

Practical Implications for Green Card Holders

If you are a green card holder, having a criminal record can now lead to:

• Detention by immigration authorities
• Loss of your green card
• Deportation to your home country

Even if your crime was minor or happened many years ago, you could still be at risk. Some green card holders do not realize that a guilty plea or a conviction for a small offense can have serious immigration consequences. For example, a shoplifting conviction or a minor drug offense could trigger deportation proceedings.

What Should Green Card Holders Do?

• Check your criminal record: If you have ever been arrested or convicted, get a copy of your criminal record and review it with an immigration attorney.
• Do not travel outside the United States 🇺🇸: If you have a criminal record, leaving the country and trying to return could result in being denied entry or detained at the border.
• Avoid new legal trouble: Even a new arrest or charge can put your status at risk.
• Consult an attorney before applying for citizenship: If you plan to apply for U.S. citizenship, make sure your criminal record will not cause problems.

Implications for Undocumented Immigrants

Undocumented immigrants now face a higher risk of being detained and deported, especially if they have a criminal record or have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for less than two years. The new registration rule means that some people must report to DHS, but this can be risky.

What Should Undocumented Immigrants Do?

• Get legal advice before registering: Registration can lead to detention or deportation, so talk to an immigration attorney first.
• Know your rights: If you are detained, you have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.
• Prepare an emergency plan: Make sure your family knows what to do if you are detained.

Implications for Asylum Seekers

The “Remain in Mexico” policy, if reinstated, would require non-Mexican asylum seekers to wait in Mexico 🇲🇽 while their cases are processed in the United States 🇺🇸. This can make it harder to get legal help and puts people at risk of harm while they wait.

What Should Asylum Seekers Do?

• Stay informed: Policies can change quickly, so keep in touch with your attorney and check official sources for updates.
• Gather evidence: Collect documents and proof to support your asylum claim.
• Be prepared for delays: The process may take longer, and you may have to wait outside the United States 🇺🇸.

Legal and Expert Perspectives

Immigration Advocates: Many advocates are worried that the government is using deportation laws too broadly. They say that people are being removed without enough time to defend themselves or get legal help.

Legal Experts: Lawyers stress the importance of getting professional advice. Immigration law is very complicated, and even small mistakes can have big consequences.

Government Perspective: The government says these changes are needed for national security and to enforce immigration laws.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have a pending application for a green card, citizenship, or asylum, these changes could affect your case. For example:

• If you are a green card holder with a criminal record, your application for citizenship could be denied, and you could face deportation.
• If you are applying for asylum, you may have to wait outside the United States 🇺🇸 or face longer delays.
• If you are undocumented and required to register, your pending application could be affected if you are detained.

What Should You Do If You Have a Pending Application?

• Contact your attorney: Make sure your lawyer knows about any changes in your situation.
• Update your address: Always keep your address up to date with USCIS so you do not miss important notices.
• Respond to requests: If USCIS asks for more information, respond quickly and completely.

Step-by-Step Procedures for Affected Parties

1. Seek Legal Advice
   • Find an immigration attorney who can review your case and explain your options.
   • Many local organizations offer free or low-cost legal help.
2. Understand Deportation Grounds
   • Learn which crimes can lead to deportation. The list is long and includes some offenses that may not seem serious.
   • For more information, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) page on deportation.
3. Assert Your Rights
   • If you are detained, tell the officer you want to remain silent and ask for a lawyer.
   • Do not sign anything without talking to an attorney.
4. Register with Caution
   • If you must register with DHS, do so only after getting legal advice.
   • Bring all your documents and be prepared for possible detention.

Key Stakeholders and Their Positions

• Trump Administration: Focuses on strict enforcement and deportation.
• Immigration Advocates: Push for fair treatment and due process for immigrants.
• Legal Experts: Help people understand and deal with complex immigration laws.

Quantitative Data and Statistics

While exact numbers are not available, reports suggest that deportations have increased under the Trump administration, especially for green card holders with a criminal record and undocumented immigrants caught under expedited removal.

Historical Context

The IIRIRA of 1996 created many of the rules now used to deport immigrants with criminal records. Over the years, enforcement has become stricter, especially under the Trump administration.

Multiple Perspectives

• Government: Says these policies protect national security and uphold the law.
• Immigrant Rights Groups: Argue that the rules are too harsh and do not give people enough chance to defend themselves.
• Legal Community: Warns that the laws are complex and can be unfairly applied.

Official Resources and Forms

For more information, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official website. If you are facing deportation, you may need to fill out Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), which you can find here.

Actionable Takeaways

• Green card holders: Check your criminal record and talk to an attorney if you have any convictions.
• Undocumented immigrants: Do not register with DHS without legal advice.
• Asylum seekers: Stay in touch with your attorney and keep up with policy changes.
• Everyone: Know your rights and have a plan in case you are detained.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes mean that anyone with a criminal record, especially green card holders, faces higher risks of deportation. The best way to protect yourself is to stay informed, get legal help, and act quickly if you are affected by these new policies.

For the latest updates and official information, always check the USCIS website. If you need legal help, look for trusted immigration attorneys or local organizations that can guide you through the process. Staying prepared and informed is the best way to protect your future in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

Expedited removal → A fast deportation process allowing removal without a court hearing for recent arrivals.
Green card holder → A lawful permanent resident authorized to live and work permanently in the US.
Criminal record → A documented history of an individual’s past criminal convictions affecting immigration status.
Deportation → The official removal of a non-citizen from the United States for violating laws.
Registration requirement → A mandate for some undocumented immigrants to register with DHS, risking detention or deportation.

This Article in a Nutshell

New US immigration policies intensify deportation risks for green card holders and undocumented immigrants. Expedited removal applies broadly, registration requirements expanded. Legal advice is crucial. Asylum seekers must stay informed about delays. These changes, effective 2025, demand urgent action to protect immigrant rights and statuses nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com