Green Card Holders and Travelers: Navigating Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

When Lewelyn Dixon returned to Seattle from the Philippines in February, she was shocked to find herself detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Her niece, Madonna Cristobal, breezed through customs but waited anxiously for hours as her aunt was held for questioning. Dixon, a green card holder and longtime resident, had never faced such issues before, despite her many travels.

What led to this unsettling situation? It turns out that a felony conviction from over 20 years ago for embezzling nearly $6,500 had resurfaced. Dixon pled guilty at the time and was fined but never served jail time. Today, such past infractions can trigger serious consequences under increasing scrutiny in U.S. immigration enforcement. Immigration lawyers indicate that the current environment has made even minor offenses a reason for detention, significantly raising the stakes for green card holders.

Benjamin Osorio, an immigration lawyer representing Dixon, stated, “It’s maximum enforcement these days.” The U.S. has shifted toward tougher immigration enforcement, especially at airports and borders, making travel riskier for lawful residents. Ben Johnson, director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, echoed his concerns about the lack of clarity in enforcement, noting that border officials now seem to seek any justification to detain travelers.

This trend isn’t just limited to individuals like Dixon. Recent reports highlight cases of others facing detention, including a German man held due to an old dismissed misdemeanor and tourists facing scrutiny over visa issues.

According to recent statistics from the American Immigration Council, there has been a 30% increase in arrests of noncitizens at U.S. borders since 2019. This increase reflects the broader context of immigration enforcement policy changes, initiated during the Trump administration, which stressed stricter regulations on those entering or re-entering the U.S.

Dixon’s family has been deeply affected by her detention. As a pillar in their lives, her absence during family events has been felt profoundly. Cristobal, who lives with Dixon, had to contact her aunt’s employer to explain her unexpected absence. Legal support was only obtained after Dixon had already faced detention, underscoring the urgency many families now feel regarding immigration issues.

The caution shared by Dixon’s lawyer is echoed by many in the immigration field: green card holders with past infractions should consider obtaining U.S. citizenship to secure their status. Some legal experts even advise against international travel for those with any minor legal issues, highlighting the precarious situation many find themselves in.

In defending its practices, Customs and Border Protection claims that they are merely enforcing existing immigration laws. Yet, many question whether this heightened enforcement is an effective or fair use of resources. Historical contexts suggest that similar crackdowns have led to injustices, and current cases reinforce an ongoing narrative about the complexities of U.S. immigration policy.

Lewelyn Dixon’s case illustrates the challenges facing many lawful residents today. With years of residence hanging in the balance over outdated legal issues, families are left grappling with uncertainty as they navigate the complex immigration landscape.



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