Green Card Holders
WASHINGTON: The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a firm warning to holders of green cards and visa recipients, emphasizing that their continued legal status in the country hinges on strict adherence to U.S. laws and values.
In a recent announcement posted on the platform X (formerly Twitter), the agency reiterated that living in the United States under any form of legal status—whether temporary or permanent—is a privilege, not a right.
“Coming to America and receiving a visa or green card is a privilege. Our laws and values must be respected. If you advocate for violence, endorse or support terrorist activity, or encourage others to do so, you are no longer eligible to stay in the U.S.,” the USCIS post stated.
The stern message is being viewed as part of a broader policy shift toward more rigorous enforcement of immigration regulations, particularly under the administration of President Donald Trump.
The warning comes as part of a larger crackdown on immigration violations, with the U.S. government announcing earlier this week the termination of legal protections for over half a million immigrants residing in the country under humanitarian parole programs.
These include roughly 532,000 nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who entered the U.S. under a scheme introduced by former President Joe Biden in October 2022, which was further expanded in January 2023.
However, in line with Trump’s vow to dramatically curb immigration—especially from Latin American countries—the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has decided to revoke these temporary protections.
According to officials, the individuals affected will have just 30 days to leave the country after the order is officially published in the Federal Register, expected this coming Tuesday.
President Trump has consistently advocated for the largest deportation campaign in American history and has doubled down on enforcing immigration laws through both administrative and legal means. Critics argue the move will disrupt families and communities, while supporters claim it is a necessary step to restore law and order and ensure national security.
The new policies underscore a growing tension between federal enforcement priorities and humanitarian commitments made under previous administrations.
Legal experts anticipate challenges in the courts, especially over the sudden revocation of legal statuses that were granted under well-defined immigration frameworks.
As the situation evolves, immigrants residing in the United States—particularly those with conditional or recently acquired legal status—are being advised to ensure full compliance with all legal requirements and refrain from any activity that could be interpreted as a threat to public safety or national interests.
