Trump Administration Targets Green Cards With Harsh New Rules

Trump’s 2025 immigration reforms intensify enforcement, enforce social media scrutiny, and drastically expand Green Card revocation. Immigrants, students, and lawful residents face daily fines, expanded deportation risks, and invasive monitoring. Constant compliance and careful online activity are now required for anyone pursuing or keeping legal status in the United States.

Key Takeaways

• Green Card holders risk status loss for social media posts deemed antisemitic under 2025 Trump administration policies.
• Mandatory registration and daily fines up to $998 target undocumented immigrants; IRS and ICE now share personal data.
• Parole and work authorization revoked for 985,000 migrants from prior programs; expedited deportations expanded nationwide.

Since taking office in January 2025, President Trump and his administration have made major changes to immigration law and policy. One of the most talked about changes is the new approach towards Green Card revocation, nicknamed “Act Like Guests.” This set of rules treats immigration benefits like Green Cards as conditional. In other words, immigrants can easily lose these benefits if they are seen as not following the government’s tight expectations.

This article will explain how the Trump administration’s actions affect immigrants, lawful permanent residents, foreign students, and their families. We will look at updated policies for Green Card revocation, how social media monitoring is now part of background checks, and the wider impact of the “Act Like Guests” approach. We will also discuss how these changes could affect the lives of hundreds of thousands in the United States 🇺🇸.

Trump Administration Targets Green Cards With Harsh New Rules
Trump Administration Targets Green Cards With Harsh New Rules

Why Has the Trump Administration Focused on Green Card Revocation?

President Trump promised to make immigration controls stronger and change how the United States 🇺🇸 handles immigrants. The latest policies fit into this plan. They send a clear message: being a permanent resident or having other benefits is now a privilege, not a clear right. If immigrants do not “act like guests,” as the administration says, they risk losing what they’ve gained so far.

This approach has led to new rules for Green Card holders and applicants. It has also led to changes for people already in the country on temporary status, such as refugees, asylees, or those brought under special programs set up before 2025. One of the clearest examples is the pause on processing some green card applications. According to CBS News, this includes applications made by approved refugees and asylees, as part of President Trump’s orders for “maximum vetting” of everybody coming to the U.S.

Green Card Revocation: New Rules and Grounds

The Trump administration has created several new ways that a person can lose their Green Card or have their application denied. Here are the main grounds that officials now use to take away legal residency:

1. Social Media Monitoring

The biggest change that has caught the attention of immigrants and immigration lawyers is the new focus on what people post online. In April 2025, government officials announced they would start looking at social media accounts—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more—for anyone applying for immigration benefits. They also plan to review posts for those who already have Green Cards or student visas.

There is now a clear rule: any “antisemitic activity on social media” can be used as a reason to deny or revoke immigration benefits. This includes Green Cards, student status, and even benefits related to work or education. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this means that permanent residents, foreign students, and even people connected to particular universities could lose their status if the government sees something online that it thinks breaks the rules.

Social media monitoring makes the background check process stricter. It also means that anyone hoping to live, work, or study in the United States 🇺🇸 must pay close attention to what they—or even their friends—post online.

2. Enhanced Vetting and Application Pauses

The Trump administration has put new, stronger vetting measures in place. One such action is pausing the processing of some Green Card applications, especially those from refugees or asylees. The reason given is to make sure every applicant goes through “maximum vetting.” This is meant to ensure that everyone who comes to the United States 🇺🇸, or is already here, poses no threat and matches the administration’s standards for lawful permanent residence.

This pause affects many people who are in difficult situations, as refugees and asylees have fled danger in their home countries. It also raises questions for those planning to reunite with family or put down roots in the United States 🇺🇸.

3. Revocation of Parole Status and Work Authorization

Another group uniquely affected are those who entered the United States 🇺🇸 under the previous administration’s special programs, such as the CBP One app. On April 8, 2025, President Trump’s team revoked parole and work authorization for about 985,000 of these migrants. These individuals previously had temporary legal status and were hoping to become permanent residents. Now, with Green Card revocation and parole removal, their future is uncertain.

Many have lost their right to work, their Social Security numbers have been or may soon be canceled, and they now face possible deportation.

Wider Immigration Enforcement: The “Act Like Guests” Framework

The government’s strategy is much broader than just making it easier to pull Green Cards. The “Act Like Guests” policy shapes almost every part of immigration life. It also raises the risks for anyone already in the country who cannot keep up with the many new requirements.

Here are a few of the main tools the administration is now using to watch and control immigrants more closely:

Mandatory Registration and Large Daily Fines

All undocumented immigrants are now required to register with the government. Anyone who gets a final removal order (meaning the government has decided they must leave the country) faces daily fines of up to $998 for not complying. These fines create strong pressure to follow every rule without any mistakes.

For many, these fines are a huge burden. They can quickly add up and make it almost impossible for families to pay for basic needs, let alone secure permanent status.

Data Sharing and Constant Monitoring

The administration has not stopped at monitoring social media. There is now an agreement between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to share data on immigrants. This means tax information and other personal data can be used to spot people who may be violating immigration laws.

Additionally, the federal government can now cancel Social Security numbers for some immigrants, which instantly removes their right to work or receive benefits. This makes economic survival much harder, further tightening control over people whose status is at risk.

You can read about Social Security number rules and eligibility directly on the official Social Security Administration website.

Expansion of Enforcement Authority

The Trump administration has also expanded fast-track deportations, known as “expedited removal,” across the entire country. Immigration officers now have arrest quotas they must meet each day, and they can enter previously protected areas—such as churches and schools—for enforcement actions.

Meanwhile, the administration has signed more agreements with local police departments. This allows local officers to enforce federal immigration laws during normal police work. This means more potential for random stops and more fear among immigrant communities.

The Role of Social Media Monitoring: Living Life Under a Microscope

Going back to social media monitoring, this is now a core part of how people are judged by the government. Officials regularly review what immigrants or Green Card applicants post, like, or even share online. They do not just look for illegal actions—they pay attention to speech they consider inappropriate, such as antisemitic comments.

A single post or joke—even if made years ago—can now mean losing status or being barred from the country. This pushes immigrants to monitor not only their own words, but also what friends or family say on their pages.

Some critics say this rule is too broad or vague. For instance, what counts as “antisemitic activity” may vary from case to case. Immigration lawyers say this makes it harder for applicants to know what is safe or risky online.

The fear of Green Card revocation through social media monitoring has changed how many immigrants use the internet. Some delete old posts, stay off social networks, or avoid starting conversations that might draw attention in the future.

Impacts on Immigrants: Day-to-Day Life Has Changed

These new rules have real effects on the lives of those who came to the United States 🇺🇸 for safety, opportunity, or to join family. Many immigrants and even students now:

  • Worry about what they share online, at school, or at work.
  • Fear contact with the police or any government agency.
  • Hesitate before joining community groups or protests.
  • Avoid certain churches, events, or locations to keep away from enforcement officers.

For legal immigrants, simply keeping up with every new rule is stressful. For the undocumented, the threat is even larger. Every small slip can lead to big fines or deportation.

Employers and schools must also adjust to the changes. They have new duties to check immigration status, respond to government requests, and report problems quickly. Some worry they might get in trouble simply for not noticing a “problematic” post from a student or worker.

Supporters and Critics: Is the “Act Like Guests” Policy Fair?

Supporters of the Trump administration’s plan say tough rules are needed to protect America and make sure immigrants follow the law. They believe only those who respect the country’s values and rules should have rights like permanent residence or Social Security.

Supporters also believe that tighter rules push people to be more careful, lawful, and respectful while in the United States 🇺🇸. For them, using tools like social media monitoring is a modern, sensible way to spot those breaking the rules.

On the other hand, critics warn that the rules are too harsh and vague. They say the “Act Like Guests” approach makes life unstable for everyone with any fear of being targeted. Critics point out that the threat of Green Card revocation for something as open-ended as a social media post means nobody can feel safe or certain about their future. This could discourage talented people from moving or staying in the United States 🇺🇸, which could hurt the country in the long term.

Looking Ahead: What Should Immigrants Expect?

With the Trump administration’s policy changes, constant Green Card revocation risk is now part of immigrant life. Anyone wishing to stay, work, or study in the United States 🇺🇸 must act carefully and avoid anything that may be seen as “un-American” by officials. This includes online activity, following every law or guideline exactly, and keeping up with registration and reporting requirements.

There is also uncertainty about what will count as a rule violation in the future. It is likely that more forms of monitoring and reporting will become standard. This could include more data sharing between agencies, closer watching of private businesses and schools, and even further increases in the daily fines.

Immigrants hoping to secure or keep their Green Card status should:

  • Avoid risky online behavior and review social media histories.
  • Keep paperwork and personal details up to date.
  • Stay informed on policy changes by checking official sources like the USCIS Green Card page.
  • Seek legal advice if unsure about any actions that may affect their status.

Employers and schools should also invest in training and remain alert for signs that an employee or student might be at risk of losing their status under these new rules.

Summary: A New Era of Immigration Enforcement

President Trump’s “Act Like Guests” plan has changed the landscape for immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸. The mix of stricter Green Card revocation criteria, social media monitoring, bigger fines, and expanded enforcement means everyone with immigrant status must think twice before acting. Staying on the government’s good side now requires constant awareness and caution, both online and offline.

While some see this as a needed safety plan, others see it as an attack on the heart of the American idea: that anyone can join and help build the country. As rules keep changing, staying informed and prepared is more important than ever. If you or someone you know is affected, checking sources like VisaVerge.com or the official government links provided above can help you stay ready for what comes next.

Learn Today

Green Card revocation → The legal process of canceling a person’s permanent resident status in the United States, leading to loss of lawful stay.
Parole status → A temporary allowance for certain noncitizens to enter or remain in the U.S. without full immigration status or permanent rights.
Social Media Monitoring → Government review of immigrants’ online posts to assess compliance and screen for problematic or ‘un-American’ behavior.
Expedited removal → A fast-track deportation procedure letting officers remove certain noncitizens without full court hearings anywhere in the U.S.
Maximum vetting → The strictest background checks and reviews, including social media and personal data, before granting any immigration benefit or status.

This Article in a Nutshell

President Trump’s 2025 immigration reforms bring sweeping changes. Social media monitoring and stricter vetting can trigger Green Card revocation. Parole and work privileges have been rescinded for nearly a million migrants. Daily fines and expanded enforcement now loom, making compliance and constant vigilance essential for all immigrants and their families.
— By VisaVerge.com

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Robert Pyne
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Robert Pyne, a Professional Writer at VisaVerge.com, brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique storytelling ability to the team. Specializing in long-form articles and in-depth analyses, Robert's writing offers comprehensive insights into various aspects of immigration and global travel. His work not only informs but also engages readers, providing them with a deeper understanding of the topics that matter most in the world of travel and immigration.
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