The Trump administration’s stance on immigration has left many individuals, including green-card holders and international travelers, navigating heightened risks and uncertainty when entering or re-entering the United States.
Promoted as measures to enhance “law and order” and national security, these policies and practices have subjected lawful residents and visitors to stringent scrutiny, legal entanglements, and, in certain cases, detention or deportation.
The implications of these changes are far-reaching, impacting families, communities, and perceptions of the United States as a welcoming destination.
Green-Card Holders Under Scrutiny
For lawful permanent residents like Lewelyn Dixon, the experience of traveling back to the United States has transformed into an ordeal.
Ms. Dixon, who has a green card and lives near Seattle, was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon her return from a trip to the Philippines. Despite her legal residency status, a past felony conviction for embezzlement flagged her as a priority for enforcement under the reinterpreted and more strictly applied immigration laws.
Lawful permanent residents with criminal records—even minor ones from years ago—are increasingly at risk of detentions or deportations. Once considered largely shielded unless involved in recent or severe violations, green-card holders now face a climate in which their pasts are scrutinized to a previously unseen degree.
Immigration lawyers emphasize that cases like Fabian Schmidt, a long-time green-card holder facing deportation due to an old misdemeanor, highlight a broader and more aggressive application of existing rules.
Customs and Border Protection’s Take
The CBP defends these practices as a rightful and necessary enforcement of U.S. immigration laws, arguing that individuals who comply with the law have nothing to fear. However, while the agency’s actions may align with strict legal interpretations, they have sparked debate over the appropriateness of their impact.
Former CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske has publicly questioned the resource allocation involved, suggesting the heightened scrutiny of green-card holders with relatively minor infractions may not serve the country’s best interests.
This rigorous enforcement has created confusion and anxiety among visa holders and residents who previously considered the United States home.
The uncertainty also extends to international perceptions, with several European countries updating their travel advisory guidelines for the U.S., warning against potential detention, deportation, or other consequences individuals with criminal records might face.
Unclear Numbers Reflect Broader Concerns
While individual cases like Lewelyn Dixon’s illustrate the trend, immigration lawyers believe there are likely far more incidents that are either unreported or resolved outside of public view. This absence of clarity further complicates the narrative, leaving affected families and communities grappling with the legal and emotional toll these detentions can take.
Ms. Dixon herself is described by her family as the “rock” on which they depend. Her detention has had a profound emotional impact, serving as a potent reminder that policy actions have human consequences.
Practical Advice for Green-Card Holders and Travelers
Due to the current climate surrounding immigration enforcement, immigration lawyers are recommending that green-card holders with any criminal record—even minor offenses or incidents decades old—exercise extreme caution. Here are key steps to mitigate risk while navigating these uncertain times:
- Avoid International Travel: If possible, green-card holders with any concerns about their records should refrain from leaving the country until their legal standing is clarified.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consult a qualified immigration attorney to discuss your specific situation and understand any potential risks.
- Consider Naturalization: For permanent residents who meet the eligibility requirements, pursuing U.S. citizenship can provide added security, as naturalized citizens are generally protected from deportation.
- Stay Prepared: Always carry necessary documentation and ensure your travel information is accurate to avoid additional complications at ports of entry.
For now, informed action, consultation with legal experts, and awareness of one’s rights are the most practical tools for those navigating this complex landscape. Families torn apart by these measures deserve meaningful reforms and clarity that reflects America’s historical values of opportunity and inclusion, ensuring that the price of security doesn’t compromise human dignity.