Trump Immigration Crackdown: Green Card Holders and International Students Face Deportation

The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown has reached a boiling point, leaving green card holders and international students in a state of panic. What was once considered a safe haven for those seeking a better life or education is now a precarious existence, with the threat of deportation looming large.
The administration’s expanded “enhanced vetting” at U.S. borders has ensnared tourists, researchers, and legal visa holders, with some being detained or deported for expressing political views or having affiliations deemed a threat to national security or foreign policy. The consequences are far-reaching, with allies like Germany, Canada, and Japan updating their travel advisories to the U.S. due to the rise in detentions and entry denials.
Even lawful permanent residents with spotless records are second-guessing travel plans and daily decisions, fearing they might not allow back into the country. As the situation continues to unfold, it’s essential to examine the impact of Trump’s immigration crackdown on green card holders and international students.
Targeting Legal Immigrants and Tourists
- Trump’s administration is rolling back protections and targeting those who have legal status, including green card holders, tourists, those under humanitarian protections, and even naturalized citizens.
- Federal agents have escalated their focus to include legal immigrants, tourists, and academics, some of whom now detained or deported for expressing political views or having affiliations the government deems a threat to national security or foreign policy.
Before proceeding further, take a look at: Rajasthan RTE Admissions 2025: Apply Now for Private School Seats!
Expanded “Enhanced Vetting”
The Trump administration has expanded “enhanced vetting” at U.S. borders, affecting tourists, researchers, and legal visa holders. This includes the use of a rare legal provision to deport green card holders and legal visitors, emphasizing the administration’s focus on enforcing immigration laws.
Increased Surveillance and Collaboration with Private Groups
There is increased surveillance of social media and political speech, with the administration collaborating with private groups to flag individuals for potential deportation. However, The conservative think tank Middle East Forum confirmed it’s feeding intelligence to U.S. agencies, raising privacy concerns and questions about transparency.
Trump Immigration Role of Customs Enforcement
Customs enforcement plays a crucial role in the expand vetting process, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actively investigating and potentially deporting individuals based on their activities, which perceived as threats to U.S. foreign policy interests. Do not miss out on reading on: Legal Frameworks for Tuberculosis Prevention and Management in India
Examples of Those Targeted
- Academics and Students: Georgetown and Columbia University affiliates have been arrested.
- Tourists: German travelers detained and placed in solitary confinement.
- Researchers: A French scientist denied entry based on private messages about U.S. science policy.
- Medical Professionals: A Brown University doctor deport despite a valid visa and court order.
Trump Immigration Impact on Green Card Holders and International Students
Green card holders and international students are facing increased scrutiny and risk of deportation. Moreover, The administration’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement has prompted strong criticism from civil rights groups and lawmakers. Cast your eyes on: APSC Prelims 2025: Apply Now for Combined Competitive Examination!
Trump Immigration Legal Challenges and Uncertainty
- Courts are getting involve, with judges temporarily blocking removals.
- Lawyers are filing lawsuits, claiming violations of due process and free speech.
- Advocacy groups are filing amicus briefs supporting the detained.
Trump’s Other Attacks on Legal Immigrants or US Citizens
- Ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Parole for Vulnerable Groups: The Trump administration has canceled TPS for Venezuelans and Haitians, impacting hundreds of thousands of people.
- Reviving Denaturalization: The administration is reviving and expanding denaturalization campaigns, targeting naturalized citizens who became citizens through fraud or war crimes.
- Revoking Birthright Citizenship: Trump issued an executive order claiming that children born to undocumented immigrants are not U.S. citizens, despite the 14th Amendment guaranteeing birthright citizenship.
Learn how student chapters can provide networking opportunities and professional growth. Click to read and join our WhatsApp community! Not sure which career to choose? Our professionals can guide you. Book your counseling session now on Mytagapp.com!