(UNITED STATES) Green card holders can continue to travel in and out of the United States 🇺🇸, as President Trump has not signed any executive order that stops lawful permanent residents from leaving or re-entering the country. As of August 6, 2025, the latest executive actions and travel bans do not block green card holders from returning home, even if they are from countries facing strict entry bans.
President Trump’s 2025 Executive Order and Green Card Holders
On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order and a related proclamation called “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” This order, which took effect on June 9, 2025, set full entry bans for nationals from 12 countries and partial restrictions for people from 7 other countries. However, the order clearly exempts lawful permanent residents (green card holders) from these bans. This means green card holders can still enter the United States 🇺🇸, even if they are from countries on the restricted list.
The order also makes exceptions for people with valid visas and those whose entry is seen as important for the country’s interests. People already inside the United States 🇺🇸 with valid visas or green cards are not affected by these new restrictions. According to official sources, including the White House and legal experts, these rules do not apply to green card holders who want to travel back to the United States 🇺🇸.
No Executive Order Stops Green Card Holders from Traveling
There is no executive order or proclamation from President Trump in 2025 that bans green card holders from leaving or returning to the United States 🇺🇸. Under U.S. immigration law, lawful permanent residents are immigrants who plan to live in the country permanently. Current policies protect their right to travel, with only a few exceptions for national security checks.
The travel bans focus on people from certain countries that the government considers high risk. However, green card holders from those countries are generally allowed to return to the United States 🇺🇸. This approach follows earlier legal decisions, such as the Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. Hawaii, which said the president can restrict entry for some people but must allow exceptions for green card holders.
Broader Immigration Policy in 2025
President Trump’s immigration policies in 2025 focus on stronger enforcement, tighter border security, and more limits on asylum and refugee programs. However, these policies do not include any rules that stop green card holders from traveling. Some of the new changes include:
- Replacing the EB-5 investor visa program with a “gold card” program for wealthy investors
- More security checks for people applying for visas or green cards
- Expanding efforts to deport people who are in the country without permission
Some of these new rules are facing legal challenges, especially those about birthright citizenship and asylum. Still, none of these legal fights are about the travel rights of green card holders. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the main focus of these policies is on people who do not have permanent resident status, not on those who already hold green cards.
What Green Card Holders Need to Know About Travel
Green card holders still have the right to travel internationally and return to the United States 🇺🇸. However, there are some important things to remember:
- Carry your valid green card and any other required travel documents when you travel.
- If you are from a country that faces entry bans, you are still allowed to return as a green card holder, but you may face extra screening at the border.
- Make sure your green card is not expired before you travel. If it is close to expiring, renew it before leaving the country.
- If you plan to be outside the United States 🇺🇸 for more than one year, you may need to apply for a re-entry permit. You can find the official Form I-131, Application for Travel Document on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
- Always check for updates on travel policies before making plans, as rules can change quickly.
Examples and Practical Tips
Let’s look at a few examples to help explain how these rules work:
- Example 1: Fatima is a green card holder from one of the 12 countries on the restricted list. She travels to visit family and wants to return to the United States 🇺🇸. Under the current executive order, Fatima is allowed to re-enter the country because green card holders are exempt from the ban. She should expect extra questions at the airport but cannot be denied entry just because of her nationality.
- Example 2: Ahmed, another green card holder, needs to travel for work. He checks the expiration date on his green card and sees it is still valid. He also brings his re-entry permit because he plans to be away for more than a year. Ahmed can return to the United States 🇺🇸 without problems, as long as he follows all the rules for green card holders.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
If you are a green card holder and have questions about your travel rights, there are several official resources you can use:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): The USCIS website has up-to-date information about green card rules, travel documents, and forms.
- U.S. Department of State Visa Services: This site provides information about visas and travel advisories.
- White House Executive Orders and Proclamations: You can read the full text of executive orders and proclamations on the White House website.
If you need legal advice, it is best to talk to an immigration attorney or an accredited representative. They can help you understand your rights and what steps to take if you face problems at the border.
What This Means for Immigrants and Their Families
For many green card holders, the ability to travel is very important. It allows them to visit family, take care of business, or handle emergencies in their home countries. The current rules mean that green card holders do not have to worry about being blocked from returning to the United States 🇺🇸, even if they are from countries facing strict entry bans.
However, it is always wise to stay informed. Policies can change, and court decisions may affect how rules are enforced. Green card holders should keep their documents up to date, check official sources before traveling, and be ready for possible extra screening at the border.
Conclusion and Next Steps
As of August 6, 2025, there is no executive order from President Trump that stops green card holders from leaving or entering the United States 🇺🇸. Lawful permanent residents keep their travel rights, with some extra checks for national security. By staying informed and prepared, green card holders can continue to travel with confidence. For the latest updates, always check the USCIS website before making travel plans.
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