Fear at the Border: Green Card Holders Rethink Travel
A growing number of U.S. green card holders are changing their international travel plans. After reports surfaced of lawful residents being detained at U.S. airports upon their return. What used to be a routine trip abroad has suddenly turned into a stressful decision.
Fabian’s Story: A Normal Trip Gone Wrong
Fabian, a 34-year-old engineer, flew back from visiting his family in Germany. He never imagined that something from over ten years ago, a minor charge for marijuana possession, would land him in detention for days. Despite holding a valid green card and having paid his dues, he was flagged, questioned, and held in custody.
Stories like Fabian’s are no longer rare.
Rasha’s Experience: One Photo, Big Trouble
Rasha, a medical professional with a valid U.S. visa, was recently stopped and sent back from the airport. Why? Authorities found a few photos on her phone that raised red flags, even though she insisted they were from years ago and not personally related to her. Just like that, she was denied entry.
Universities and Experts Issue Warnings
Several institutions, including top U.S. universities, are now advising international students and staff to avoid unnecessary travel for the time being. Even people with clean records and valid documentation are facing unexpected hurdles.
Immigration lawyers are now urging green card holders to consult legal experts before leaving the U.S. One of the key takeaways? Even if you’ve traveled without issues in the past, times have changed and so has the enforcement at the border.
The Travel Uncertainty
The current atmosphere is leaving immigrants feeling nervous and unsure of their rights. While no official changes in policy have been announced, what’s happening at airports tells a different story. Until there’s more clarity, many green card holders are choosing to stay put—for now.
