The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a stern reminder to legal immigrants: green cards and visas are conditional privileges, not permanent rights.
In a recent post on X, the agency warned that any violation of U.S. laws or values could lead to immediate revocation of immigration status.
This move follows the launch of a new “Catch-And-Revoke” policy, announced by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The policy enforces a strict “one-strike” rule — any non-citizen, including green card holders, visa holders, or international students, found violating U.S. laws could lose their status without warning.
“There is now a one-strike policy: Catch-And-Revoke,” Rubio said. “Whenever the government catches non-US citizens breaking our laws, we will take action to revoke their status. The era of abusing our nation’s generosity is over.”
The policy shift comes in response to criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of national security issues, particularly after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
Rubio accused the administration of failing to act against foreign terrorist sympathizers, especially on college campuses, where he claimed Jewish students faced harassment and violence from foreign nationals involved in protests.
Due Process Concerns Raised
Under previous immigration norms, immigrants had legal options to challenge revocations or rectify minor violations. The new policy could eliminate those safeguards, potentially making visa revocation grounds for deportation without appeal.
“Receiving a visa or green card is a privilege,” the USCIS emphasized. “If you support or promote violence, terrorism, or encourage others to do so, you lose the right to remain in the U.S.”
This toughened stance signals a significant shift in U.S. immigration enforcement, with heightened scrutiny and fewer protections for those who violate laws or engage in controversial political activity.
