The Donald Trump administration has intensified efforts to re-vet Green Card holders, with a new unit at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identifying at least 50 individuals who may have obtained permanent residency improperly during the Biden administration. This comes as over 11 million immigration applications remain pending with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Scope of the Review
According to a report by The New York Times, the DHS has established a dedicated unit to review older Green Card cases. As of the first week of May, approximately 2,890 cases have been scrutinized, with 80% of those reviewed requiring no further action. The unit, known as the Tactical Operations Division, is headed by Daniel Andrade and comprises 40 immigration officers focused solely on re-vetting.
Who is at Risk?
USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler clarified that the re-vetting targets individuals arrested or convicted of crimes such as sexual assault, domestic violence, driving under the influence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Additionally, those who admitted to membership in organizations suspected of illegally obtaining export-controlled information for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are under scrutiny. Green Card holders who lied to USCIS during the application process are also being investigated. The USCIS emphasized that individuals not involved in such activities have no cause for concern.
Expert Concerns
Some experts have raised alarms, describing the re-vetting as a meaningless exercise. They argue that Green Cards are granted only after rigorous vetting, and the small number of suspicious cases among a large pool suggests that these cases were already thoroughly reviewed. The Tactical Operations Division includes several units, such as LPR Operations, Denaturalization, and Refugee Revetting.
Can Green Card Holders Be Deported?
Yes, Green Card holders can face deportation if convicted of a crime or if their status was obtained through fraud. However, deportation is not immediate; individuals typically have the opportunity to present their case before an immigration judge.
