Fact check: What are the grounds for deporting a green card holder?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, green card holders can be deported under several specific circumstances, despite their permanent resident status. The primary grounds for deportation include:

Criminal Convictions:

• Aggravated felonies as defined by immigration law ^{[1] [2] [3]}
• Serious violent crimes such as rape and murder ^[4]
• Drug trafficking and drug offenses ^{[1] [4] [2] [3]}
• Even nonviolent offenses like DUI and drug possession misdemeanors can lead to detention and potential deportation, as demonstrated by the case of Victor Avila who was detained by ICE after returning from visiting his son in Japan ^[5]

Immigration-Related Violations:

• Document fraud and immigration fraud ^{[1] [4]}
• Identity theft ^[6]
• Violations of immigration law more broadly ^[3]

National Security Concerns:

• National security-related offenses ^{[2] [3]}
• Advocating for violence or endorsing terrorist activity ^[7]
• Cases involving "potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States" - though this ground is described as rare and troubling ^[1]

Legal Process:

The deportation process requires the Department of Homeland Security to serve a Notice to Appear in immigration court ^{[4] [2]}, and the government must prove deportability through "clear and convincing evidence" ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

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

Current Political Climate:

The Trump administration has explicitly warned green card holders to behave like "guests" in the US or risk deportation, with USCIS listing reasons why permanent residency can be revoked as a "privilege" rather than a right ^[7]. This represents a significant shift in how permanent residency is characterized by government officials.

Enforcement Reality:

Real-world cases demonstrate that even minor past offenses can result in detention and deportation proceedings. Victor Avila's case shows that green card holders who have already served their time and paid fines for nonviolent misdemeanors can still face indefinite detention by ICE ^[5].

Broader Immigration Policies:

The current administration has implemented sweeping immigration enforcement policies, including termination of Temporary Protected Status and revocation of parole status for hundreds of thousands of people, creating a climate where immigration enforcement has been significantly expanded ^[8].

Legal Uncertainty:

The analyses suggest there is considerable uncertainty and fear among green card holders about their status, particularly those with any criminal history, regardless of how minor or how long ago the offense occurred ^[1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation, as it is a straightforward inquiry about legal grounds for deportation. However, the question's neutral framing may not capture the current heightened enforcement environment where deportation proceedings against green card holders have become more aggressive and expansive.

The question also doesn't reflect the shift in official rhetoric that now characterizes permanent residency as a "privilege" that can be revoked rather than a more secure legal status ^[7]. This framing benefits those who support stricter immigration enforcement by making deportation seem more justified and routine.

Missing from the original question is acknowledgment that deportation grounds have been interpreted more broadly under current policies, with cases like those involving "foreign policy consequences" being pursued despite being historically rare ^[1]. This expansion benefits political figures and agencies seeking to demonstrate tough immigration enforcement, while creating uncertainty for millions of permanent residents.