By Newspot Nigeria Staff
The United States government has issued a fresh warning to lawful permanent residents—commonly known as Green Card holders—highlighting the risk of revocation and deportation for individuals with criminal records.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) emphasized that holding a Green Card is a privilege, not a right, and reiterated that the U.S. reserves the authority to revoke permanent residency from individuals who violate immigration or criminal laws.
“Possessing a Green Card is a privilege, not a right. Under our nation’s laws, our government has the authority to revoke your Green Card if our laws are broken and abused,” the CBP stated.
The agency cautioned that Green Card holders with past convictions could be detained at U.S. ports of entry and placed in immigration removal proceedings, especially when such offenses fall under categories like aggravated felonies, fraud, drug-related crimes, or crimes involving moral turpitude.
“Attention Green Card holders: Having a criminal history does not make you an upstanding lawful permanent resident,” the agency noted, underscoring its commitment to protecting U.S. borders and national security.
Under existing U.S. immigration laws—specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)—individuals with certain criminal histories may be declared inadmissible or deportable, and may also face mandatory detention without bond while awaiting removal hearings.
Immigration attorneys advise Green Card holders with prior convictions to consult legal counsel before traveling outside the United States, as re-entry may trigger additional scrutiny or enforcement actions.
This renewed warning follows ongoing efforts by U.S. immigration authorities to tighten border and interior enforcement, particularly against non-citizens with criminal backgrounds.
Newspot Nigeria will continue to monitor developments on this issue as they affect Nigerians in the diaspora and lawful immigrants in the U.S.
