As an immigration attorney with years of experience, I understand the concern and fear many people with permanent residency in the United States live with. In these times, the uncertainty around new immigration policies can be overwhelming. That’s why I want to share clear and valuable information with you about what could happen to your green card, what your rights are, and what steps you can take to protect yourself. My goal is for you, as an immigrant, to have the tools necessary to face these challenges with confidence and hope.

Warnings for permanent residents: can they take your green card without notice?

In recent months, we have seen an increase in warnings directed at permanent residents with criminal records or who have violated immigration laws. The U.S. government, under the previous administration, intensified operations and campaigns to identify possible cases of legal status residents allegedly linked to extremist activities or with serious immigration violations.

It’s important to clarify that they cannot take your green card away without proper legal process. The law guarantees that anyone with a green card has the right to a hearing before an immigration judge, where they can defend themselves. This is a fundamental right in the United States that cannot be ignored.

However, this doesn’t mean that residency is an absolute and guaranteed right forever. A green card is a privilege that can be lost if certain acts are committed or specific legal conditions are violated.

When can permanent residency be lost?

There are several situations that can put your green card at risk:

  • Serious criminal records: A conviction for a felony (over 365 days of sentencing) can be grounds for losing residency, even if the sentence was suspended.
  • Violent or terrorism-related crimes: Supporting or being linked to terrorist or extremist groups is valid grounds for revoking residency.
  • Living outside the country for extended periods: If you stay outside the U.S. longer than allowed, you may lose your status because permanent residency requires living mainly in the country.
  • Conditional green card: If you have a 2-year conditional green card (usually granted through recent marriage), you must apply to remove the conditions. If not, the government can revoke your residency.

In these cases, immigration authorities must initiate a process and present formal charges. No one can simply take away your residency without first giving you the opportunity to defend yourself.

What to do if you have a criminal record or fear losing your residency?

If you have a criminal record or something in your history that concerns you, the most important thing is to consult with an immigration attorney. Every case is different and requires detailed analysis to understand the real risks and available options.

A very useful tool is requesting your immigration record under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This process allows you to obtain all the information immigration has about you, including fingerprints, records, and history. With this information, an attorney can conduct a thorough review to identify any potential issues and prepare a proper defense.

My recommendation is not to make rushed decisions, like leaving the country without legal advice, as this could complicate your situation even more. Prevention and knowledge are key to protecting your status.

Workplace raids: impact on the immigrant community

Recently, immigration raids at workplaces have intensified, promoted as a way to free up jobs for U.S. citizens. However, studies show that these actions do not increase wages or generate more jobs for local workers. On the contrary, they negatively affect immigrant families and the local economy.

These raids create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety in our community. I’ve helped people who had never experienced anxiety or panic but now live with constant stress, fear of being detained, and separation from their families. This is a strategy aimed at destabilizing immigrants psychologically and economically, which is very painful.

Moreover, most sanctions fall on the workers, not on the employers, who often fail to meet their legal obligations. Sectors such as agriculture, garment manufacturing, hospitality, and cleaning depend heavily on immigrant labor, and these raids threaten the stability of these industries.

Why don’t these raids help American workers?

The jobs immigrants usually hold are hard, physically demanding, and unattractive to many U.S. citizens. In addition, immigrants often face unfair labor conditions such as delayed payment, wage theft, lack of proper breaks, and constant threats. So, these raids not only affect workers but also hurt the economy and local production.

Immigration solutions and benefits: a light of hope

Although the current situation is complex and immigration reform seems distant, there are legal paths that can provide protection and opportunities to many people. Among them is the T Visa, intended for victims of human trafficking or immigrants who have suffered labor exploitation or abuse.

This visa offers a work permit, legal protection, and can eventually lead to permanent residency. Many people are unaware of this option or think they don’t qualify because their experience happened years ago, but an expert attorney can evaluate your case and help you file a successful application.

Remember that you are not alone and that there are legal ways to obtain security and stability in the United States. The key is to seek professional guidance and learn about all the available immigration benefits.

Court ruling on birthright citizenship: a victory for children

Amid so much worrying news, I want to share some good news: a federal judge in New Hampshire temporarily blocked an executive order that aimed to limit birthright citizenship in the United States. This measure would have affected children born in the country to non-citizen or undocumented parents.

This decision protects all children born in the U.S. since February 2025 and acknowledges that denying citizenship would cause irreparable harm and violate the Constitution. This means that, for now, any child born on U.S. soil has the right to be a citizen, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

Why is this protection important?

Stripping birthright citizenship would create a class of people without legal recognition in any country, which would cause problems obtaining ID, enrolling in school, and accessing basic rights. This protection ensures that children born here have a secure future and access to opportunities.

Historic crisis at USCIS: delays affecting millions of immigrants

The U.S. immigration system is facing an unprecedented crisis with more than 11.3 million pending cases at USCIS. This includes green card applications, work permits, and visas. The backlog is due to staffing shortages, inherited restrictions, increased post-pandemic applications, and country-specific limits.

The consequences are long delays, legal uncertainty, and stress for millions of immigrants who depend on these processes to work, live, and support their families. Additionally, in-person interviews have become mandatory for many cases, making the process even more difficult.

How does this crisis affect immigrants?

  • Delays in obtaining work permits, limiting the ability to work legally.
  • Uncertainty about immigration status, causing anxiety and concern.
  • Negative impact on the economy, as many immigrants want to contribute and grow in this country.

My advice is that, even if the process is long, don’t be discouraged. Starting your application is an investment in your future and your family’s. With patience and proper guidance, you can move toward regularizing your status.

Controversial agreement between ICE and IRS: what it means for ITIN taxpayers

Another worrying news item is the agreement between ICE and the IRS to share information about people who pay taxes using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). This agreement would allow immigration to use tax data to locate taxpayers, even if they have no criminal record.

Although it is not yet clear how this data-sharing will be implemented, advocacy organizations warn that it could put millions of people at risk and undermine trust in the confidentiality of tax information.

What should ITIN taxpayers do?

I cannot recommend stopping paying taxes, as it is a legal obligation and failing to do so can bring civil or criminal consequences. However, I recommend that if you have concerns or are in an immigration process, you seek specialized legal advice to evaluate your situation and protect your rights.

My personal story: why I fight for immigrant rights

I want to share a bit of my story so you understand that I know what it means to be an immigrant in the United States. I was born in Mexico and came to this country when I was two years old. My family was humble; my father worked long hours as a gardener and in a kitchen, while my mother cared for us — eight siblings in one apartment.

My parents had the American dream: that their children could study, have careers, and opportunities they never had. For them, residency and citizenship were the keys to opening those doors. My father lived more than 20 years without legal status and couldn’t see his mother until he became a resident. That reunion was one of the happiest days of his life.

As the son of immigrants and an immigration attorney, my mission is to help you and your family achieve that dream, protect your status, and defend your rights so you can live with peace and dignity in this country.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can they take away my residency without notice?

No. The law requires a legal process with the right to a hearing before an immigration judge for any attempt to revoke permanent residency.

What crimes can make me lose my green card?

Felonies, violent crimes, support for terrorist groups, or staying outside the U.S. for long periods without justification can put your residency at risk.

What should I do if I have a criminal record and fear losing my status?

The best thing to do is consult an immigration attorney to analyze your case, request your immigration record, and prepare an appropriate defense.

What legal options exist for immigrants who suffer labor abuse or exploitation?

The T Visa is an option that can grant work authorization and residency to victims of trafficking or labor exploitation. An attorney can help you determine if you qualify.

What does the court decision on birthright citizenship mean?

It protects the right to citizenship for children born in the U.S., regardless of their parents’ immigration status, by temporarily blocking an order that aimed to limit this right.

How does the USCIS crisis affect immigration procedures?

It causes long delays in approving green card applications, work permits, and visas, generating uncertainty and anxiety for immigrants.

Is it safe to pay taxes with an ITIN?

Paying taxes is mandatory, but if you have concerns about the ICE and IRS agreement, consult an attorney to protect your rights.

Conclusion

Understanding your rights and immigration laws is essential to protect your status and your family’s. As an immigration attorney, my commitment is to provide you with clear information, specialized legal support, and guide you through every step of your immigration process.

Don’t let fear paralyze you. Seek professional advice, know your options, and stay informed. Remember that permanent residency is a privilege that must be defended with knowledge and preparation. Together we can work to keep your American dream alive and make it a reality.

If you have questions or want to know if you qualify for immigration benefits like the T Visa, VAWA, or U Visa, do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to help and guide you on this journey.

Contact: The Cruz Law Office, Phone: 877-618-472. Consultations available by phone, video call, or in person.