Green card holders facing higher level of scrutiny

Two days ago I received a call from a green card holder who wishes to travel outside the US. He is afraid that in light of the current state of affairs with US immigration, he and his family may be denied reentry to the US or at the very least, might be given a hard time by the border agents.

This question is only one of many inquiries I received even before President Trump was sworn into office. These are calls of fear, panic, and uncertainty over their own permanent residency status none of which was present before the present administration. As a green card holder, you thought you were immune from further scrutiny. You are free to do anything, except vote in US elections and other rights and privileges reserved for US citizens. All you need to do is stay away from criminal activities, pay your taxes, be a good citizen, and earn your time to be eligible for US citizenship and once you are naturalized, you are on your way to fully achieve that American dream.

However, bear in mind that as a green card holder, not only do you have rights and privileges but also duties and obligations that you are expected to comply with --residency requirements, payment of taxes, obeying the laws and the plain old moral standards of being a good member of society. US immigration authorities look at these factors when you come in and reenter the US.

So ask yourself some of these questions. These are not exhaustive but worth looking into:

Have you been away from the US for an extended period of time? Are you away for more than six months? One year? Did you file for a reentry permit?

Have you committed any crime? Did you pay your taxes? Do you have receipts to show that you paid for it? Do you have any past or pending charges or convictions? Were you in deportation proceedings or are you in pending deportation removal proceedings?

How were you able to obtain your green card? If through marriage, was it valid and bona fide? Are there reasons to believe that your marriage was only entered in order to obtain a green card? If through employment, did you work on your job? Were you qualified for the job? Were your credentials authentic?

Your answers to these questions could very well determine your likelihood of being accorded a heightened level of scrutiny when you reenter the US.