‘Act like guests or lose Green card’: Trump team in new immigration warning

Green card holders in the United States are once again facing the winds of change—and this time, it’s a storm that many fear could sweep away their hard-earned residency.

In a sharp message posted on X (formerly Twitter), the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) warned that “Green cards and visas will be revoked if an alien breaks the law.” This statement from the Trump Administration is part of a new initiative known as ‘Catch-And-Revoke,’ which signals a renewed crackdown on immigrants who have already received legal status in the country.

The USCIS’s post went on to stress the privileges attached to immigration, stating, “Coming to America and receiving a visa or green card is a privilege. Our laws and values must be respected. If you advocate for violence, endorse or support terrorist activity, or encourage others to do so, you are no longer eligible to stay in the US.”

While the message appears to target those involved in serious crimes or threats to national security, immigrant communities fear a much broader interpretation. The USCIS clarified that it is working hand-in-hand with the Department of Homeland Security to review visa and green card holders continuously, even after permanent residency has been granted. “This vigilance is essential to making America safe again. Break the laws and you will lose your green card or visa privilege,” the agency posted.

Backing this firm stance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized, “Whenever the government catches non-US citizens breaking our laws, we will take action to revoke their status. The era of abusing our nation’s generosity is over.”

Trump Administration: Fear Grips Legal Immigrants, Especially Indians

The announcement has sent ripples of anxiety through the immigrant community, particularly among Indian green card holders in the United States. Due to per-country quotas, Indian nationals face some of the longest waiting periods—stretching up to 50 years—to receive an employment-based green card.

Many of them have spent decades complying with complex immigration laws, only to now worry that their status could be stripped away due to minor legal infractions or bureaucratic oversights.

“We waited for decades and followed every rule. Now we’re told one misstep could ruin everything. It feels like walking on a tightrope with no safety net,” said Priya Nair, a software engineer in California who received her green card after 17 years.

A Policy Shift With No Second Chances?

Previously, immigrants had opportunities to appeal revocations or resolve small errors before facing deportation. But under the Catch-And-Revoke directive, those safeguards may vanish. Legal experts warn that the lack of due process could lead to increased deportations, sometimes over issues that would have been considered minor or fixable in the past.

“Due process is what separates justice from chaos,” said Imran Ghani, an immigration attorney based in New York. “If appeals are removed and discretion is limited, we’ll see good people deported for mistakes they had no opportunity to correct.”

Voluntary Deportation: $1,000 to Leave America

Adding another layer to the immigration shake-up, the Trump administration also announced a new incentive program for undocumented migrants. According to an Associated Press report, illegal immigrants who agree to voluntarily leave the U.S. will be paid $1,000 as part of a “self-deportation” strategy.

The Department of Homeland Security claims the initiative will save taxpayers up to $1 million per family by reducing the cost of detentions and deportations. Migrants who notify the government of their intent to return using the CBP One app will also be deprioritised for removal operations.

The Trump administration argues that these measures are a cost-effective and humane approach to managing immigration enforcement while refocusing resources on individuals deemed a threat to national security.

Immigration Front and Centre in Trump’s Agenda

President Donald Trump has placed immigration enforcement at the heart of his political platform. While Trump’s supporters applaud the tough stance as necessary to protect American jobs and security, critics argue it fosters fear and instability within immigrant communities, many of whom contribute significantly to the U.S. economy and society.

“The Republican administration is urging Congress to approve a significant boost in resources while also strongly encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave the country voluntarily,” said a senior White House official on Monday.

Also Read : UK Care Homes Face Collapse Amid Care Worker Visa Crackdown