JD Vance Warns Green Card Holders: ‘Permanent’ Doesn’t Mean Forever

The ever-intensifying immigration debate under Donald Trump’s presidency took another dramatic turn as US Vice President JD Vance sent a stark warning to green card holders. Speaking on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, JD Vance declared, “A green card holder doesn’t have an indefinite right to be in the United States.”

His comments immediately fueled controversy, highlighting the administration’s rigid stance on immigration. “This is not fundamentally about free speech,” JD Vance clarified. “Yes, it’s about national security, but more importantly, it’s about who we, as an American public, decide gets to join our national community.”

JD Vance: Residency Isn’t a Lifetime Guarantee

While green cards grant foreign nationals the right to live and work in the US, JD Vance underscored that this privilege can be revoked. “If the president and secretary of state decide someone should no longer stay, they have no legal right to be here—it’s as simple as that.” JD Vance’s remarks follow the Trump administration’s latest crackdown, including the high-profile detention of pro-Palestinian activist and permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil.

Trump’s $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ Proposal

In a move aimed at reshaping US immigration policy, President Donald Trump unveiled an unprecedented initiative—the ‘gold card’ program. Under this proposal, foreign nationals could purchase a ‘gold card’ for $5 million, granting them the right to live and work in the US with additional privileges, including a fast track to citizenship.

“We’re going to be selling a gold card,” Trump announced from the Oval Office. “You have a green card. This is a gold card. We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about USD 5 million, and that’s going to give you green card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship.”

The administration believes this initiative will attract top global talent, particularly from India and China, while simultaneously generating billions in revenue to help reduce national debt.

Trump criticized the current system for discouraging highly skilled graduates from elite US universities due to visa uncertainties. “A person comes from India, China, Japan, and other countries, attends Harvard or the Wharton School of Finance… they receive job offers, but the offer is immediately revoked because there’s no certainty about whether that person can stay in the country.”

A Game Changer or a Barrier?

The ‘gold card’ program, expected to replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa, raises both hope and concerns. While proponents argue it creates a streamlined path for exceptional talent, critics worry it prioritizes wealth over merit. Some immigration advocates warn that the policy may exacerbate inequalities, making US residency accessible only to the ultra-rich.

The Rights and Responsibilities of Green Card Holders

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) outlines specific rights and responsibilities for green card holders. These include:

Rights:

• Live Permanently in the US – As long as they do not commit deportable offenses.
• Work in Any Legal Job – Except for certain positions restricted to US citizens due to security concerns.
• Legal Protections – Green card holders are protected by US laws at federal, state, and local levels.

Responsibilities:

• Obey All US Laws – Including federal, state, and local regulations.
• File Income Tax Returns – Green card holders must report income to the IRS and state tax authorities.
• Support Democratic Government – While they cannot vote, they are expected to uphold democratic principles.
• Register for Selective Service – Males aged 18-25 must register for potential military service.

Also Read : US Targets Foreign Students: Visa Revocations to Increase in Coming Days