In a significant ruling with potential relief for Indian immigrants, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked the Department of Justice (DOJ) from unilaterally revoking green cards. The court deemed the government's approach "antithetical" to the separation of powers, asserting that it infringed upon Congress's authority in matters of immigration.
The case revolves around Mohammad Qatanani, a Palestinian-born imam residing in New Jersey, who has been embroiled in a nearly two-decade-long legal battle to maintain his permanent residency. Qatanani has faced accusations from both U.S. and Israeli authorities regarding alleged ties to Hamas.
This ruling arrives amidst broader concerns about the Trump administration's stance on immigration. Since taking office again in January 2025, President Trump has pursued policies aimed at limiting paths to citizenship and restricting access to green cards. The administration has also paused the processing of green card applications for certain individuals, including approved refugees, as part of what it describes as a more aggressive vetting effort.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reportedly been directed to suspend processing requests for legal permanent residency submitted by immigrants granted refugee or asylum status. Citing vetting and fraud concerns, the Trump administration has also paused all immigration applications filed by immigrants from Latin America and Ukraine who arrived in the U.S. under two Biden-era programs.
Furthermore, an Executive Order (EO) signed by President Trump suspends and restricts the entry to the United States for nationals of several countries. However, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are explicitly excluded from its scope. This means that green card holders from the listed countries can continue to enter the United States. The EO does not revoke visas that have been issued to nationals of the listed countries prior to June 9, 2025.
These restrictions only apply to nationals of listed countries who were outside the United States without a valid visa on June 9, 2025. The EO does not impact entry of nationals of any listed countries who are lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
Despite the official stance, some green card holders have faced additional scrutiny. Cases like Mahmoud Khalil and Dr. Rasha Alawieh—green card holders detained or deported due to political affiliations—illustrate the growing risk.
In another instance, President Trump has publicly considered revoking the citizenship of actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell, a natural-born U.S. citizen, despite the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution preventing the government from taking away citizenship.
These actions have faced legal challenges, with federal courts blocking some of the administration's attempts to limit immigration. A federal judge issued a nationwide block against President Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship.
