U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a stern warning to immigrants, reaffirming that permanent residency and visa privileges can be revoked if individuals are found guilty of serious criminal offenses.
In a recent post on X, USCIS Los Angeles announced that it had identified a Chinese national with multiple felony convictions—including forgery, money laundering, and fraudulent use of credit cards. Working in coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency has revoked the individual’s green card and initiated deportation proceedings.
“Having a green card is a privilege, not a right,” USCIS stated on X, adding that it is committed to “making America safe again” by holding immigrants accountable for criminal activity.
While the agency did not disclose the individual’s identity or the timeline of the offenses, officials stated that the case should serve as a cautionary tale for all green card holders and visa beneficiaries. The announcement comes amid growing immigration enforcement efforts in major U.S. cities and signals a hardening stance on non-citizens convicted of crimes.
Earlier this week, Joseph Edlow, President Trump’s nominee to lead USCIS, sparked concern among the international student community during his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing. Edlow stated that, if confirmed, he would work to end the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which currently allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after completing their academic programs.
Edlow also expressed opposition to the STEM OPT extension, which grants eligible science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduates an additional 24 months of work authorization. Together, these programs have been a cornerstone of the U.S.’s strategy to attract and retain global talent. Economists, business leaders, and education advocates have warned that eliminating OPT and STEM OPT could significantly damage America’s competitive edge, particularly in industries dependent on high-skilled labor