Recent reports indicate a significant increase in scrutiny faced by Green Card holders at U.S. airports under the immigration policies implemented during Donald Trump’s presidency. Instances of strip searches, detentions, and rigorous interrogations have raised serious concerns about the security of lawful permanent residency in the United States.
One particularly distressing case involves Fabian Schmidt, a German national and long-term Green Card holder, who was reportedly subjected to a severe interrogation upon his return to the U.S. on March 7. Despite possessing a legally reissued Green Card, Schmidt was detained at Logan International Airport in Massachusetts. His mother, Astrid Senior, described his experience as “harrowing,” detailing how he was stripped, doused with ice-cold water, denied adequate hydration, and ultimately collapsed. While U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has denied any misconduct, officials stated that Green Card holders with prior drug-related charges or visa violations may face detention and potential removal. Schmidt remains in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility awaiting further review.
Increased Inspections of Elderly Indian Green Card Holders
Reports suggest that elderly Indian Green Card holders are particularly vulnerable to heightened scrutiny, especially those who frequently travel to India. According to a Times of India report, CBP officers are increasingly questioning individuals who spend extended periods outside the U.S., viewing such absences as potential indicators of abandoned residency.
Immigration attorneys have raised alarms about coercion tactics being used to pressure elderly immigrants into signing Form I-407, which voluntarily surrenders their Green Cards. Florida-based attorney Ashwin Sharma has warned that CBP officers, emboldened by Trump’s policies, have been threatening travelers with detention or deportation if they refuse to comply. Similarly, Seattle-based attorney Kripa Upadhyay emphasized that Green Cards cannot be revoked at the border unless the holder willingly signs the I-407 form. She advised against surrendering permanent residency under pressure, as doing so forfeits the right to legal defense.
Motivation Behind the Crackdown
The intensified scrutiny aligns with Trump’s “America First” stance, which prioritizes stricter immigration enforcement. During his previous term, Trump advocated for tighter residency requirements and expanded the definition of “public charge,” making it more difficult for immigrants to qualify for permanent residency.
Previously considered a secure immigration status, Green Card holders now face increased risk under these stringent policies.
Factors Leading to Green Card Revocation
According to U.S. immigration law, Green Card holders can lose their status under several conditions, including:
Extended Absences from the U.S.: Staying outside the country for more than six months can lead to questioning, while absences exceeding one year can result in automatic revocation of permanent residency.
National Security Concerns: Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 237(a)(4)(B), individuals suspected of posing a threat to national security may be targeted.
Criminal Records: Green Card holders with felony convictions, including drug-related offenses, may face deportation under INA 237(a)(2).
Immigration Fraud and Visa Violations: Engaging in fraudulent activities related to immigration status can lead to loss of residency.
Elderly Indian Green Card holders, many of whom traditionally spend extended winters in India, are now finding themselves pressured to relinquish their residency at U.S. airports.
Growing Concerns Among Indian Immigrants
With over one million Indian nationals still waiting in the employment-based Green Card backlog, the rising number of detentions and revocations is fueling widespread anxiety. Online discussions reflect a growing sense of insecurity. One social media user noted, “Even Green Cards can be revoked at any time by the State Department for any reason. That’s a takeaway for NRIs from this.” Others compared the policy shift to India’s own immigration laws, pointing out that “India revoked OCI cards of some hardcore Khalistanis.”
Despite the panic, some voices are urging a clearer understanding of permanent residency rights. “A Green Card holder is not a visitor… They are lawful permanent residents, allowed to live and work in the U.S. permanently,” one commenter emphasized.
Conclusion
The intensified scrutiny of Green Card holders under Trump’s immigration policies marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration enforcement. With reports of coercion at airports and heightened inspections of long-term residents, concerns about the stability of permanent residency have never been greater. As policies continue to evolve, immigration attorneys strongly advise Green Card holders to stay informed, document their ties to the U.S., and seek legal counsel before making travel decisions or signing any official documents under pressure.
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