Green Card Holders and Students Face Increased Deportation Risk Under Stricter US Immigration Policies

Recent reports have highlighted a concerning trend under the current administration's crackdown on immigration – a growing number of green card holders, visa students, and other foreign nationals are facing detention and potential deportation. The latest cases underscore an uptick in detentions at airports, immigration checkpoints, and other ports of entry, sparking widespread concerns over the scope and application of US immigration policies.

High-Profile Cases Raise Alarm

Several high-profile incidents have surfaced, where individuals with long-standing legal status or ties to the US have found themselves at risk of deportation for reasons that appear to extend beyond criminal issues. The shift towards more aggressive enforcement of immigration laws, particularly targeting politically active foreign nationals or individuals with past legal issues, has created a wave of uncertainty for students, professionals, and families living in the US.

Green Card Holder Facing Deportation for Political Activism

Yunseo Chung, a green card holder and student at Columbia University, is currently facing deportation under the administration's tougher stance on immigration. Having moved to the U.S. at the age of seven, Chung is enrolled at Columbia University, where she has participated in pro-Palestinian protests. The administration claims that her presence in the U.S. undermines U.S. foreign policy, a rationale similar to the one used in the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil. On March 24, Chung filed a lawsuit against the administration.

Targeting of Students and Scholars

One of the more concerning aspects of these deportation efforts is the targeting of students and scholars, particularly those who may have engaged in political activism. A prominent example is Ranjani Srinivasan, a 37-year-old Fulbright scholar from India. As reported by The New York Times, Srinivasan's visa was revoked on March 5, 2025, allegedly as part of the administration's crackdown on Columbia University students linked to pro-Palestinian protests.

Green Card Holder Detained and Allegedly Mistreated

Another high-profile case involves Fabian Schmidt, a 34-year-old electrical engineer from Germany and a green card holder living in New Hampshire. As reported by GPH, Schmidt was detained on March 7, 2025, upon returning to the US from a trip to Europe. Schmidt's mother has alleged that he was subjected to violent interrogation for hours at Logan Airport in Boston, where he was pressured into surrendering his green card.

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Families Impacted by Visa Overstays

The targeting of green card holders and visa students has also affected individuals with families, particularly those who have overstayed their visas. Camila Muñoz, a Peruvian immigrant, was detained by ICE agents at an airport checkpoint on March 7, 2025, as she attempted to fly back to Wisconsin from her honeymoon in Puerto Rico.

Immigration Law Implications

These cases highlight the need for individuals, families, and organizations to stay informed about their rights and responsibilities under US immigration laws. It is crucial to work with experienced immigration lawyers who can provide guidance on maintaining legal status, navigating the complex immigration system, and defending against potential deportation actions.

For those seeking temporary or permanent residency in the US, understanding the requirements and processes related to visas, green cards, and naturalization is essential. Consulting with legal professionals can help ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, as well as protect individual rights and interests.