The US government has issued a strong warning to Green Card holders, particularly emphasizing that individuals with criminal records risk losing their permanent residency status and may face deportation proceedings. This warning serves as a reminder that holding a Green Card is a privilege, not an absolute right, and comes with strict responsibilities under US immigration law.
This decision follows recent changes to Nigerian visa policies by the US embassy, which have already sparked reactions among Nigerian immigrants and potential travelers. The changes reflect a broader effort by US authorities to tighten immigration controls and ensure that only individuals who comply with all legal requirements maintain their resident status.
The latest decision mainly targets individuals involved in crimes related to dishonesty, fraud, or offenses that fall under the category of "moral turpitude" — a legal term for conduct that is considered contrary to community standards of justice, honesty, or good morals. Such crimes can make Green Card holders removable and ineligible for certain forms of relief from deportation.
Additionally, Green Card holders risk losing their status if they remain outside the United States for over 12 consecutive months without obtaining proper re-entry permits or proving continuous intention to reside in the US. Prolonged absence may be interpreted as abandonment of lawful permanent residency, resulting in denial of entry or loss of Green Card status.
Furthermore, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has warned that lawful permanent residents with prior criminal convictions may be subjected to mandatory detention when attempting to re-enter the United States through any port of entry. Such individuals can be detained immediately upon arrival, pending removal proceedings, even if they have lived in the US for many years.
Notably, this move underscores the US government’s strict approach to immigration compliance and highlights its commitment to enforcing existing immigration and criminal laws. It serves as a clear message that the government intends to maintain strong oversight on residency status and uphold public safety by removing individuals who pose a threat or who have violated serious legal standards.