U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) found 1,484 green card holders inadmissible at U.S. ports of entry over just five months during the Trump administration, according to the latest data available as of July 31, 2025. This trend of increased scrutiny and enforcement continues, affecting thousands of lawful permanent residents (LPRs) each year and raising concerns among immigrant communities across the United States 🇺🇸.
CBP officers at airports and land borders have stepped up inspections of green card holders, leading to more detentions, removal proceedings, and even deportations. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, over 50,000 green card holders have been found inadmissible at U.S. ports of entry since 2018, with about 22,000 cases recorded in recent years. This sharp rise in enforcement actions has left many LPRs and their families worried about the risks of international travel.
Recent Data and Ongoing Enforcement
The numbers show a clear pattern. In 2022, CBP found 3,764 green card holders inadmissible. The following year, 3,179 faced the same outcome. In 2024, the figure was 3,763, and for the first nine months of 2025, 2,739 green card holders were stopped at the border. Even during the pandemic years, the numbers remained high, with 3,076 in 2019, 2,411 in 2020, and 3,330 in 2021.
A closer look at monthly data from the Trump administration highlights the seriousness of these actions. For example, in February, CBP stopped 337 green card holders. Of these, 212 received Notices to Appear (NTAs), which means they were placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. Ninety-seven were paroled, allowing them temporary entry for urgent reasons. Nineteen chose to surrender their green cards and return abroad, while three faced expedited removal and five were deported. The following month, 352 green card holders were stopped, with similar outcomes.
Policy Changes and Increased Scrutiny
The Trump administration introduced a new wave of “enhanced vetting” starting January 20, 2025. This policy included reviewing travelers’ personal correspondence and social media accounts. As a result, both green card holders and some U.S. citizens have faced increased questioning, detention, or even denial of entry. Many LPRs and visa holders now avoid international travel out of fear they may not be allowed back into the United States 🇺🇸.
CBP’s Acting Commissioner, Pete Flores, has stated that these measures are part of a broader effort to “secure the homeland.” Francis J. Russo, Director of CBP New York Field Operations, emphasized the agency’s commitment to strict enforcement at major ports like JFK Airport. CBP and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defend these actions as necessary for national security and the integrity of the immigration system.
Legal Grounds for Inadmissibility
Under Section 291 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) [8 USC 1361], the burden of proof is on the person seeking admission to show they are eligible to enter the United States 🇺🇸. INA § 212(a) lists more than 60 reasons someone can be found inadmissible. These include health problems, criminal records, security concerns, becoming a public charge (meaning likely to depend on government help), and problems with documents.
Even green card holders returning from short trips abroad—less than six months—can be found inadmissible if they have certain risk factors. These include a criminal history, suspected fraud, or security concerns. Longer absences, criminal convictions, or past immigration violations greatly increase the risk of being stopped at the border.
What Happens When a Green Card Holder Is Deemed Inadmissible
The process starts when a green card holder arrives at a U.S. port of entry. A CBP officer reviews their travel and immigration history. If there are concerns, the officer may send the person for secondary inspection, which involves more questions and checks.
Possible outcomes include:
- Admission: If cleared, the green card holder is allowed to enter the United States 🇺🇸.
- Notice to Appear (NTA): The person is placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. This means they must go to court to fight for their right to stay.
- Parole: Temporary entry is granted for urgent reasons, such as a family emergency.
- Voluntary Withdrawal: The person can choose to surrender their green card and return abroad.
- Expedited Removal: Immediate removal from the United States 🇺🇸 for certain violations.
- Detention: In some cases, the person may be held in detention while their case is decided.
Practical Implications for Green Card Holders
Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups strongly advise green card holders to be careful when planning international travel. Those with any risk factors—such as criminal records, long absences, or past immigration problems—should consult a lawyer before leaving the United States 🇺🇸. It is also important to carry documents that prove strong ties to the country, such as proof of employment, home ownership, or family relationships.
Many LPRs now avoid international travel altogether, fearing they may not be allowed to return. Advocacy groups report that even some U.S. citizens have faced increased scrutiny at the border, adding to the anxiety in immigrant communities.
Historical Context and Policy Evolution
Before 2018, CBP rarely found green card holders inadmissible unless there was a clear legal reason, such as a serious crime or fraud. Since then, enforcement has become much stricter, with annual numbers of inadmissibility rising and more aggressive use of the INA § 212(a) grounds. The Trump administration’s policies have continued to shape CBP’s approach, and current enforcement remains high.
Expert Perspectives and Community Impact
Immigration lawyers say the increased enforcement has created a “chilling effect” on travel. Many green card holders who once visited family abroad now stay in the United States 🇺🇸 to avoid the risk of being stopped at the border. This has caused emotional stress and family separation for many immigrants.
Advocacy organizations urge LPRs to stay informed about current CBP practices and to seek legal advice before traveling. They also call for clearer guidelines and more transparency from CBP to help people understand their rights and risks.
CBP and DHS, on the other hand, argue that these measures are needed to protect the country and prevent fraud or security threats. They point to the legal requirement that all travelers, including green card holders, must prove they are eligible to enter the United States 🇺🇸.
Future Outlook and Pending Changes
As of July 31, 2025, there have been no major changes in the law, but ongoing court cases and advocacy efforts may influence future CBP practices. For now, high scrutiny at ports of entry is expected to continue, especially under current administration policies. Legal and advocacy groups continue to issue travel advisories for green card holders and visa holders.
Practical Steps for Green Card Holders
If you are a green card holder planning to travel abroad, consider these steps:
- Check your eligibility: Make sure you have not been outside the United States 🇺🇸 for more than six months and have no criminal or immigration violations.
- Carry documentation: Bring proof of your ties to the United States 🇺🇸, such as job letters, tax returns, or evidence of family relationships.
- Consult an attorney: If you have any risk factors, talk to an immigration lawyer before traveling.
- Know your rights: Understand the inspection process and what to expect at the border.
For more information, visit the CBP official website, which provides up-to-date details on entry requirements and enforcement policies.
Summary Table: Green Card Holders Deemed Inadmissible at U.S. Ports of Entry (2019–2025)
| Country/Type | Visa Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Green Card | 3,076 in 2019 |
| USA | Green Card | 2,411 in 2020 |
| USA | Green Card | 3,330 in 2021 |
| USA | Green Card | 3,764 in 2022 |
| USA | Green Card | 3,179 in 2023 |
| USA | Green Card | 3,763 in 2024 |
| USA | Green Card | 2,739 (first 9 months) in 2025 |
| Year | Number Deemed Inadmissible |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 3,076 |
| 2020 | 2,411 |
| 2021 | 3,330 |
| 2022 | 3,764 |
| 2023 | 3,179 |
| 2024 | 3,763 |
| 2025* | 2,739 (first 9 months) |
*2025 data is for the first nine months only.
Conclusion
The increased enforcement by CBP at U.S. ports of entry has serious consequences for green card holders. Many now face the risk of being found inadmissible, detained, or even deported. Staying informed, preparing carefully, and seeking legal advice are the best ways for green card holders to protect their status and avoid problems at the border. As enforcement trends continue, it is more important than ever for LPRs and their families to understand their rights and responsibilities when traveling.
Learn Today
CBP → U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agency enforcing border security and admissibility rules.
Green Card Holder → A lawful permanent resident authorized to live and work permanently in the United States.
Notice to Appear (NTA) → A legal order requiring an individual to attend removal proceedings before an immigration judge.
Parole → Temporary permission to enter the U.S. for urgent humanitarian or public safety reasons despite inadmissibility.
Inadmissible → Status given when a person is denied entry to the U.S. based on legal grounds under immigration law.
This Article in a Nutshell
CBP’s strict inspections have stopped thousands of green card holders, causing detentions and legal actions. Increased scrutiny since 2018 worsens fears for lawful permanent residents’ travel and status protection.
— By VisaVerge.com
