The query addresses the potential authority of a former U.S. President to revoke lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a “green card.” This status grants non-citizens the right to live and work permanently in the United States. The power to strip someone of this status generally resides with the Department of Homeland Security and immigration courts, following due process and based on specific grounds for inadmissibility or deportability as defined by immigration law. Examples of such grounds include criminal activity, fraud in obtaining the green card, or abandoning residency.
The importance of understanding this topic lies in its impact on individuals and families who have built their lives in the U.S. under the premise of permanent residency. Historically, immigration policy shifts have created anxieties and uncertainty for immigrant communities. Therefore, understanding the legal framework governing green card revocation provides a basis for informed discussion and advocacy regarding immigration rights. The benefits of a clear understanding include the ability for individuals to assess their own risk factors and take necessary steps to protect their status, and for policymakers to craft responsible and equitable immigration policies.