Green Card Holder Imam Fights Trump Deportation and Wins

Key Takeaways

• Third Circuit blocked DOJ’s attempt to revoke Imam Qatanani’s green card on July 15, 2025.
• Trump’s 2025 immigration policies expand expedited removal and eliminate protections in sensitive zones.
• Green card holders face increased deportation risks with delays, scrutiny, and loss of relief programs.

On July 15, 2025, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals delivered a major decision in the case of Imam Mohammad Qatanani, a well-known religious leader in New Jersey. The court blocked the Department of Justice from taking away his green card and ordering his deportation, ruling that the government had gone too far and ignored the rules set by Congress. This case is now a turning point for millions of green card holders across the United States 🇺🇸, showing that even in times of strict immigration enforcement, the law still protects due process and fairness.

Imam Mohammad Qatanani’s fight to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 has lasted for years. He first arrived in 1996 on a religious worker visa and later applied for a green card in 1999. As the leader of the Islamic Center of Passaic County, he became a respected figure in his community. But federal officials accused him of having ties to Hamas, a claim he always denied. Immigration judges twice ruled in his favor, saying there was no proof of wrongdoing. Still, the Department of Justice and the Board of Immigration Appeals kept trying to deport him, even using a 2017 speech as supposed evidence. The court, however, found these arguments weak and said the government had ignored his right to a fair process.

This ruling does more than just protect Imam Mohammad Qatanani. It sets a strong example for the 12.8 million green card holders in the country. The court made it clear that the Department of Justice cannot take away someone’s green card or order deportation without following the steps set by Congress. This decision is a direct response to the Trump administration’s tough approach to immigration, which has included new executive orders, policy changes, and increased enforcement.

Trump’s 2025 Immigration Agenda: What’s Changing?

President Trump’s second term has brought a wave of new immigration policies. Many of these changes aim to make it easier for the government to deport people and harder for immigrants to stay in the United States 🇺🇸. Some of the most important changes include:

• Expanded expedited removal: Now, immigration officers can deport people quickly, without a judge’s review, anywhere in the country. This puts green card holders and asylum seekers at greater risk, especially if they are accused of minor crimes or security issues.
• Elimination of sensitive zones: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can now arrest people in places that were once considered off-limits, like schools, hospitals, and religious centers. This makes many immigrants feel unsafe, even in places where they once felt protected.
• Repeal of relief programs: The administration plans to end programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and visas for crime victims. This would remove protections for hundreds of thousands of people who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years.
• Restrictions on family-based immigration: There are efforts to end the Diversity Visa Lottery and limit family reunification, sometimes called “chain migration.” The focus is shifting to a merit-based system, which could make it harder for families to stay together.
• Mandated E-Verify expansion: All employers must now use E-Verify, a system that checks if workers are allowed to work in the United States 🇺🇸. Some worry this will lead to mistakes and unfair treatment.
• Pressure on localities: States and cities that do not help with federal immigration enforcement could lose access to important resources and databases.

These changes have created a climate of fear and uncertainty for many immigrants, especially green card holders who once felt secure in their status.

How Green Card Holders Are Affected

Green card holders, also known as lawful permanent residents (LPRs), are facing more risks than ever before. Even small legal problems or unproven accusations can now lead to detention or deportation. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the Qatanani case shows that the courts can still protect immigrants from unfair government actions, but the overall environment remains challenging.

Some of the main problems green card holders face today include:

• Increased scrutiny: Immigration officers are looking more closely at green card holders’ backgrounds, sometimes reopening old cases or using new evidence to try to remove them.
• Processing delays: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reports that 80% of green card replacements now take over a year. Backlogs have grown by nearly 1,000% in early 2025, leaving many people in limbo and unable to travel or work freely.
• Loss of humanitarian protections: Programs like TPS for Hondurans and Nicaraguans will end in September 2025, affecting over 70,000 long-term residents. President Trump has also signaled plans to reduce refugee admissions and end certain asylum appointments.

Recent High-Profile Detentions and Community Impact

The case of Imam Mohammad Qatanani is not the only one drawing attention. In July 2025, Imam Ayman Soliman of Cincinnati was detained by ICE after his asylum status was revoked. This process began under President Biden and was finalized in June 2025. His detention has sparked protests and raised new worries about due process and the safety of non-criminal immigrants.

These high-profile cases have a chilling effect on immigrant communities. Many people now fear that even long-term residents and respected leaders are not safe from deportation. The removal of protections for sensitive zones means that places once seen as safe—like churches and schools—are no longer off-limits for immigration enforcement.

Legal and Practical Implications of the Qatanani Ruling

The court’s decision in the Qatanani case is a strong reminder that the executive branch cannot ignore the rules set by Congress. Only Congress can decide how and when a green card can be taken away. The court also stressed the importance of due process, meaning that everyone has the right to a fair hearing before losing their legal status.

For green card holders, this ruling offers some important protections:

• Safeguard against arbitrary revocation: The government cannot simply take away someone’s green card without following the law.
• Right to a hearing: Even with new enforcement policies, green card holders have the right to appear before an immigration judge unless there is clear evidence of fraud or serious crime.
• Need for vigilance: Despite these protections, the risk of detention and deportation has grown. Green card holders should keep their documents up to date and seek legal help if they are targeted.

For asylum seekers and TPS holders, the situation is even more uncertain. The rollback of protections and the expansion of expedited removal mean that many people with deep ties to the United States 🇺🇸 could face deportation, even if they have lived here for years.

Expert and Community Perspectives

Legal experts have praised the Qatanani decision as a victory for the Constitution and a necessary check on government power. They say it protects millions of immigrants from losing their status without a fair process.

Advocacy groups, however, warn that the Trump administration’s Project 2025 could undo decades of humanitarian protections. They say the new policies would make it much harder for people to find safety and stability in the United States 🇺🇸.

Community leaders express deep fear and uncertainty. The end of sensitive zone protections and the detention of respected figures like Imam Mohammad Qatanani and Imam Ayman Soliman have left many feeling vulnerable. Some worry that their families could be separated or that they could be targeted for deportation without warning.

What to Do If You Are Targeted for Deportation

If you or someone you know is facing deportation, there are steps you can take to protect your rights:

1. Seek immediate legal counsel: Contact an immigration attorney or organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) or the Muslim Legal Fund of America.
2. Document your status: Keep copies of all your immigration documents, court orders, and any letters from the government.
3. Know your rights: Even under expedited removal, green card holders have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge unless there is clear evidence of fraud or criminal activity.
4. Community support: Reach out to local advocacy groups and faith communities for help and public support.
5. Monitor policy changes: Stay informed by checking official sources like USCIS, ICE, and trusted legal aid organizations.

Official Resources and Contacts

• USCIS: uscis.gov
• ICE: ice.gov
• American Immigration Lawyers Association: aila.org
• Muslim Legal Fund of America: mlfa.org

These organizations can provide up-to-date information, legal help, and support for those facing immigration challenges.

Future Outlook and Ongoing Legal Battles

Legal challenges to President Trump’s executive actions are still ongoing. Courts will likely play a big role in deciding how much power the president has over immigration, especially when it comes to taking away green cards or ending humanitarian protections.

Advocates expect more lawsuits and possibly new laws from Congress to clarify or limit the president’s authority. In the meantime, immigrant communities are preparing for more enforcement and policy changes, knowing that the outcome of cases like Imam Mohammad Qatanani’s could shape the future for millions.

Key Takeaways for Green Card Holders and Immigrant Communities

• Stay informed: Policy changes can happen quickly. Regularly check official government websites and trusted organizations for updates.
• Keep records: Always have copies of your green card, work permits, and any legal documents.
• Seek help early: If you receive any notice from immigration authorities, contact a lawyer right away.
• Build community connections: Support from local groups and faith communities can make a big difference during difficult times.

Conclusion

The case of Imam Mohammad Qatanani is a powerful reminder that the law still protects fairness and due process, even in times of strict immigration enforcement. While the Trump administration’s new policies have made life more uncertain for green card holders and other immigrants, the courts have shown they can still stand up for the rights of individuals. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Qatanani decision is a beacon of hope for those fighting to stay in the United States 🇺🇸, but it also highlights the need for vigilance, legal support, and community action in the face of ongoing changes.

For more information on green card rights and the latest immigration policies, visit the USCIS official website. Staying informed and prepared is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones during these challenging times.

Learn Today

Green Card → A document granting lawful permanent resident status to foreigners in the United States.
Deportation → The legal process of removing a non-citizen from the United States.
Expedited Removal → A fast-track deportation procedure without a judge’s review, expanded in 2025 policies.
Due Process → The legal right to a fair hearing and following of legal procedures.
TPS → Temporary Protected Status, a humanitarian program protecting certain immigrants from deportation.

This Article in a Nutshell

The July 2025 court ruling protects Imam Qatanani and millions of green card holders, emphasizing due process amid tough immigration policies under Trump’s administration’s second term enforcement changes.
— By VisaVerge.com