'You are not going to get a Green Card if…': USCIS director warns about opening older cases to send people back

USCIS director Joseph Edlow said fraudsters and other criminals should be prepared to face the consequences as the administration is coming after people who have a Green Card. With new special agents on board, the agency is on its way to opening multiple tip lines where people can report immigration fraud. “No tip is too small. We will look into it along with our partners at ICE and with CBP. People who are perpetrating fraud, STOP! Because we are going to find you. If you have already done it and you think you have gotten away with it, we are going back. As you noted earlier, we are looking at old cases. We are going back and re-vetting cases for people who were granted Green Cards and other benefits during the Biden administration when there was no vetting,” Edlow said. “Our primary mission is to keep Americans safe. Despite challenges from radical, activist judges, we remain committed to protecting this country. Keeping America safe is our charge—and we will do it unapologetically,” the USCIS director added. The administration wants people who will not become a burden on the system, Edlow said. “We want people to come to this country who can take care of themselves and are not going to be drains on the public coffers. If you cannot pay for yourself and take care of yourself, you are not going to get a Green Card in this country,” Edlow said.

The statement came at a time when the administration had paused immigration and benefits for several countries, arrested and deported Green Card holders. Last year, the USCIS announced that it will have its own agents who will be authorized to carry firearms and arrest people for both civil and criminal immigration and non-immigration violations. With its own ICE, the USCIS is now aiming at a drastic crackdown as this unit is empowered to initiate investigations, arrest accused individuals, carry firearms etc.