Supreme Court to Hear Case on Deporting Green Card Holders

Trump administration seeks to make it easier to deport certain permanent residents with criminal convictions.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, fragmented painting featuring the shapes of a green card and an American flag, conveying the uncertain legal position of permanent residents in the U.S.The Supreme Court will soon decide the fate of green card holders' legal status and freedom of movement.Washington Today

The Trump administration is heading to the Supreme Court next week in an effort to make it easier to deport certain green card holders, or lawful permanent residents, who have been convicted of certain crimes. The administration wants to apply a 'parole-and-see' approach that would leave some green card holders open to removal proceedings, even if they have the legal status to freely travel abroad and live settled lives in the U.S.

Why it matters

This case could have major implications for the stability and rights of green card holders, who are meant to have a secure legal status in the U.S. Immigrant advocacy groups argue that the administration's approach would convert permanent residency into a 'precarious and revocable privilege' rather than the settled life it is intended to provide.

The details

The complex statutory question before the Supreme Court only directly applies to green card holders who are convicted of certain crimes, but advocates worry it creates a dangerous legal limbo. The Trump administration is seeking a shortcut to deport these individuals, rather than going through the normal removal proceedings.

  • The Supreme Court is set to hear the case next week.

The players

President Donald Trump

The current President of the United States who is leading the administration's efforts to make it easier to deport certain green card holders.

Immigrant advocacy groups

Organizations that have urged the Supreme Court to protect green card holders' right to travel and maintain their stable legal status in the U.S.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments in the case next week.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration's immigration enforcement priorities and the legal rights and stability intended for green card holders. The outcome could have far-reaching impacts on the lives of many permanent residents in the U.S.