Vice President JD Vance reaffirmed that holding a green card does not grant immigrants an indefinite right to stay in the United States. Speaking on The Ingraham Angle on Fox News, Vance stressed that the ultimate decision regarding a green card holder’s status lies with the U.S. government.
“A green card holder doesn’t have an indefinite right to be in the United States,” Vance said, emphasizing that the Secretary of State and the President have the authority to determine who remains in the country. His remarks came in response to the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate student and green card holder, who was detained on March 8 for his involvement in protests against the Israel-Hamas war. His legal team stated that the Trump administration revoked his green card.
While green card holders generally have First Amendment rights, their residency can be revoked for reasons such as criminal activity, immigration fraud, prolonged absence from the U.S., or national security concerns. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) states that legal permanent residents can stay in the U.S. as long as they do not commit deportable offenses. They also have the right to work, receive legal protections, and follow U.S. laws, including tax obligations and Selective Service registration.
Legal protections exist for green card holders facing deportation, including hearings before an immigration judge and opportunities for appeal. Some may qualify for waivers or relief based on family ties or long-term residency. However, the recent trend of targeting green card holders for activities that were not previously grounds for removal indicates a shift in U.S. immigration policy.
