At Saluja Law, we are increasingly concerned about a troubling trend at U.S. borders: lawful permanent residents (green card holders) being detained and placed in removal proceedings after returning from travel abroad, even after decades of legal residency and with no recent criminal issues.

A recent incident reported by NPR underscores this risk. A lawful permanent resident who has lived in the United States for 50 years was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after returning from a trip overseas. The reason? A non-violent felony conviction from more than 20 years ago — a matter that had been resolved with a plea deal, restitution, and no jail time. For decades, this posed no problem at ports of entry. But in today's immigration enforcement climate, even a decades-old record can result in immediate detention, transfer to ICE custody, and initiation of deportation proceedings.

Heightened Scrutiny at the Border

In recent months, CBP has taken a far more aggressive posture, subjecting green card holders and visa holders to heightened scrutiny. Immigration lawyers across the country have noted a sharp increase in:

• Detentions of green card holders with past criminal records — even for misdemeanors

• Border questioning based on dismissed charges or very old convictions

• Individuals being placed in removal proceedings for infractions previously considered resolved

We are now advising all green card holders to take serious precautions before traveling abroad, especially if any of the following apply:

• You have any criminal record, even decades old

• You were ever arrested or charged, even if the case was dismissed

• You have a record involving drug possession or fraud, regardless of how minor

• You have had extended absences from the U.S. or may be perceived as residing abroad

• You are still in the naturalization process and not yet a U.S. citizen

Ports of Entry vs. Life Inside the U.S.

One of the most important takeaways is this: The legal threshold for deportation is different at a port of entry than it is inside the country.
Many permanent residents with minor past offenses might live undisturbed for years inside the U.S. — but once they leave and try to return, that trip can reopen past infractions and result in mandatory detention under certain sections of immigration law.

This discrepancy has left many lawful permanent residents blindsided and their families devastated.

Our Advice: Caution and Citizenship

Given these developments, Saluja Law strongly advises:

1. Do not travel outside the U.S. if you are a green card holder with any prior criminal history — even if the offense occurred long ago or seemed minor.

2. Speak with an immigration attorney before making international travel plans, particularly if you've ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of any offense.

3. Apply for U.S. citizenship as soon as you are eligible. Becoming a naturalized citizen eliminates the risk of being detained or deported at the border.

4. Keep copies of all legal documents, court dispositions, and immigration records. Travel with them if necessary.

We're Here to Help

At Saluja Law, we are committed to defending your rights and helping you navigate complex immigration situations. If you or someone you love is concerned about travel or facing unexpected detention or deportation proceedings, contact us immediately.

We will assess your risks, explain your options, and work to protect your future in the United States.

Saluja Law
Protecting Immigrants. Defending Due Process.