US Issues Deportation Warning to Green Card Holders With Criminal History

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a strong warning to green card holders with criminal histories, cautioning that their lawful permanent resident (LPR) status may be revoked, potentially leading to deportation.

In a public advisory on Tuesday, the CBP reminded green card holders that lawful residency is a privilege—not a guaranteed right.

“Attention Green Card Holders: Having a criminal history does not make you an upstanding lawful permanent resident,” the agency stated.
“Our government has the authority to revoke your green card if our laws are broken and abused.”

CBP further warned that LPRs arriving at U.S. ports of entry with past convictions may face mandatory detention under current immigration laws.

The announcement aligns with ongoing efforts by U.S. immigration authorities to tighten enforcement and remove non-citizens with criminal records.

According to the 2024 Office of Homeland Security Statistics (OHSS), approximately 12.8 million lawful permanent residents currently live in the U.S. While the exact number of Nigerian green card holders is not confirmed, Nigeria ranks among the top African countries for LPR admissions.

Between 2021 and 2023, nearly 40,000 Nigerians received U.S. green cards, making Nigeria the only African nation listed in the top 20 countries for LPR admissions—ranking 15th overall.