Deportation of U.S. Green Card and Student Visa Holders: Causes and Circumstances

Green card holders can be exiled out of in the United States? Recent arrests of Mahmoud Khalil, an activist from the Palestinian community, Palestinian activist who was involved in organizing campus protests against the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Columbia University in New York City has raised doubts regarding the protections foreign student and holders of green cards enjoy against deportation from US.

A person who has a green card is granted legal permanent residency that allows them to stay and perform work duties in the US for a period of time. However the status isn't permanent, and deportation is possible under certain conditions.

The rights and responsibilities of holders of green cards

In accordance with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Green card holders are entitled to:

• Permanently reside in the US as long as they don't commit an offence that could be considered deportable.
• Any job that they are eligible for, excluding certain jobs that are only available to US citizens due to security concerns
• Protect yourself from all US laws that include state and local laws
• They also have specific obligations:
• Follow the law of all US or local regulations
• Make tax returns for income and report your income in the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities
• Support the democratic system of government (without taking part in elections)
• You can sign up through the Selective Service if they are male and between the ages of 18 and 25

What happens to students?

Students with student visas (F-1 J-1, M-1, F-1) are subject to stricter rules.

"In contrast those who hold a student visa have lower protections and could be removed for violating visa rules and/or overstaying or for doing criminal acts. In contrast to green card holders, they are required to strictly adhere to visa conditions, including keeping full-time enrollment and avoiding unlawful work.