Immigration officials issue stern warning to US citizens with criminal history

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a renewed warning to green card holders with criminal records, emphasizing that their legal status can be revoked if they violate the law.

The agency stated on X (formerly Twitter), "Under our nation's laws, our government has the authority to revoke your green card if our laws are broken and abused."

The CBP's message underscores that a criminal history is incompatible with being a "lawful permanent resident" and that holding a green card is a privilege, not a right.

The agency also highlighted that green card holders with prior criminal convictions who present at a U.S. port of entry may face mandatory detention in addition to immigration removal proceedings.

This is not the first instance of such a warning from the administration. Amid a nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously affirmed that green card holders could also face prosecution and deportation.

The CBP's reiteration that a green card doesn't guarantee a perpetual stay in the U.S. is not an idle threat.

The administration has already detained and prosecuted several green card holders.

One notable case that garnered significant attention due to political factors was that of Mahmoud Khalil. Khalil, a Palestinian married to an American citizen, was arrested on charges of pro-Hamas activism at Columbia University despite being a legal U.S. resident and having no prior criminal charges. 

His deportation was stayed by the court even as an immigration judge had ruled for his deportation.

As of January 1, 2024, there were an estimated 12.8 million lawful permanent residents living in the U.S., according to the Office of Homeland Security Statistics.