Congress ‘entitled’ to ‘regulating the conduct’ of visa holders, including speech: Expert

In recent news, reports have surfaced that the Trump administration has begun targeting lawful permanent residents, commonly referred to as “green card” holders, for deportation. This has sparked a debate about the rights of these individuals in comparison to U.S. citizens.

William Jacobson, a law professor at Cornell University, emphasized that while green card holders have rights protected by the Constitution, they are also subject to U.S. immigration laws, which do not apply to citizens. This has raised questions about the constitutional rights of lawful immigrants and the government’s authority to enforce immigration laws.

One high-profile case that has brought this issue to the forefront is that of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and green card holder who has been arrested by federal immigration authorities. Khalil is accused of supporting the Palestinian terror group Hamas and providing false information on his visa application.

Jacobson explained that the government has various grounds to remove Khalil from the country for violating immigration laws, and he will be afforded due process through the immigration law system. This case highlights the complexities of immigration laws and the consequences for individuals who fail to comply with them.

It is important to note that these immigration rules apply to all visa and green card holders, and in some cases, they can even apply to naturalized U.S. citizens. Jacobson referenced the case of Rasmea Odeh, a former American citizen who had her citizenship revoked for concealing her criminal past on immigration applications.

Overall, Jacobson emphasized that immigration laws are in place for a reason and are passed by Congress and enforced by the president. It is crucial to uphold these laws to protect the integrity of the country and ensure that individuals who come to the U.S. abide by its laws and values.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding the rights of green card holders and the enforcement of immigration laws continues to be a complex and contentious issue. It is essential to strike a balance between protecting the rights of individuals and upholding the laws that govern immigration in the United States.