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Fact check: How does ICE determine whether a lawful permanent resident is deportable?

Checked on July 7, 2025

1. Summary of the results

ICE determines whether a lawful permanent resident is deportable through a formal legal process that begins with serving a Notice to Appear, which lists the specific reasons the government believes the person is deportable [1]. The government must then prove their case through "clear and convincing evidence" that the person can be deported [1].

The primary grounds for deportability include:

  • Criminal convictions - particularly crimes involving moral turpitude within five to ten years of admission that result in a sentence of at least one year in jail [2]
  • Immigration fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining the green card [2] [3]
  • Failure to comply with immigration laws, including visa overstays [4] [2]
  • National security concerns [1] [3]
  • Abandonment of U.S. residency [3]

The process involves final orders of removal and the exhaustion of due process rights, as demonstrated in Ward Sakeik's case, where she had a final order of removal since 2011 and her appeal was dismissed in 2014 [4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The analyses reveal several important contextual factors not addressed in the original question:

  • Wrongful detentions occur - Junior Dioses spent 48 days in an ICE facility despite his attorney arguing that his prior convictions did not meet the standard for deportable offenses under immigration law [2]. This demonstrates that ICE's initial determinations can be challenged and overturned.
  • Protective measures exist - Green card holders can protect their status by avoiding criminal offenses, filing U.S. taxes regularly, and being honest on immigration forms [3]. This suggests that deportability is often preventable through compliance.
  • Due process rights are significant - The requirement for "clear and convincing evidence" and the appeals process provide substantial protections, as seen in cases where individuals successfully challenge ICE's determinations [1] [2].
  • Timing matters - Some deportable offenses have specific timeframes, such as crimes involving moral turpitude that must occur within five to ten years of admission [2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation or bias - it is a straightforward inquiry about ICE procedures. However, the question's framing could benefit from acknowledging that:

  • The deportation process involves judicial oversight and due process protections, not just administrative ICE decisions [1]
  • Appeals and legal challenges are integral parts of the system, as demonstrated by the cases of both Ward Sakeik and Junior Dioses [4] [2]
  • The determination process can result in wrongful detentions that are later corrected through legal proceedings [2]

The question assumes ICE has unilateral authority to determine deportability, when in reality the process involves immigration courts, judges, and extensive legal procedures with multiple opportunities for challenge and appeal.

Want to dive deeper?
What are the grounds for deporting a lawful permanent resident under US immigration law?
How does ICE handle cases of lawful permanent residents with criminal convictions?
Can a lawful permanent resident be deported for a misdemeanor conviction?
What is the role of the Immigration Court in determining deportability of lawful permanent residents?
What rights do lawful permanent residents have during ICE deportation proceedings?