The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a strong warning to immigrants that lawful permanent residency is not a guaranteed right—and can be revoked if individuals are convicted of serious crimes.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), the USCIS Los Angeles field office announced that it had revoked the green card of a Chinese national with multiple felony convictions, including forgery, money laundering, and fraudulent use of credit cards. Deportation proceedings are underway, in coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Having a green card is a privilege, not a right,” USCIS stated, reaffirming its mission to “make America safe again” by holding immigrants accountable for criminal behavior.
While USCIS did not name the individual or provide a timeline of the offenses, the agency emphasized that the case should serve as a clear warning: serious crimes can jeopardize your status in the U.S.
Green Card Expiring Soon? Time to Act
In addition to highlighting the consequences of criminal activity, this case is a reminder for all green card holders to check the expiration date on their permanent resident cards. Green cards are typically valid for 10 years and must be renewed before they expire. If your green card is close to expiring—or already has—you should file Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card) as soon as possible.
Carrying an expired green card can lead to complications when traveling, securing employment, or proving your lawful status. In some cases, it may even result in unnecessary delays or scrutiny from immigration authorities.
Green Card Holders: Consider Applying for U.S. Citizenship
If you’ve held a green card for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen), you may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Becoming a citizen offers added security and benefits, such as:
- Protection from deportation
- The right to vote in U.S. elections
- Access to more job opportunities
- The ability to apply for a U.S. passport
- The option to sponsor family members for permanent residency
While a green card allows you to live and work in the U.S., it does not guarantee your status if you break the law. Citizenship provides a stronger foundation and greater peace of mind.
The USCIS’s recent enforcement action should not only serve as a cautionary tale for immigrants involved in criminal activity, but also as a call to action for responsible green card holders: stay informed, renew your documents on time, and take the next step toward full integration by considering naturalization.
The path to citizenship is not only a legal milestone—it’s also a powerful way to secure your future in the United States.
