Thousands of green card holders now under DHS, ICE review

NEW YORK - Thousands of lawful permanent residents or green card holders across the United States are now under closer scrutiny as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement expand immigration enforcement

operations targeting deportable immigrants including longtime permanent residents.

Immigration lawyers warned that many Filipinos with old criminal records, unresolved legal problems, or questionable immigration histories could now face possible detention or deportation under stricter enforcement policies.

Authorities are reportedly reviewing past immigration applications, criminal convictions, and even decades-old records that may have previously been ignored.

Among the cases that could trigger deportation proceedings are crimes involving moral turpitude, multiple criminal convictions, immigration fraud, and aggravated felonies such as drug trafficking and violent offenses.

Lawyers said some green card holders are already experiencing tougher questioning at U.S. airports after returning from the Philippines, while others risk being detained if deportable offenses are discovered during re-entry inspections.

“Many green card holders believe they are completely safe from deportation, but that is not always true,” an immigration attorney said.

Legal experts clarified that Filipinos are not being singled out by nationality. However, they warned that the current enforcement climate has created growing fear among immigrant communities, especially among longtime permanent residents with old legal issues.

Despite the crackdown, green card holders still have legal rights, including the right to appear before an immigration judge, challenge deportation cases, and hire legal counsel.

Immigration lawyers are now urging permanent residents to avoid international travel if they have criminal histories or pending legal concerns and to consult immigration attorneys before leaving the United States.

They are also encouraging eligible green card holders to apply for U.S. citizenship, which provides stronger protection against deportation under standard immigration laws.