U.S. Directs Immigration Officers to Detain Migrants Without Green Cards After One Year

The United States has issued a new directive from the Department of Homeland Security directing immigration officers to detain migrants who have not obtained permanent residency status, known as green cards, within one year.

According to a report by The Washington Post, the directive was outlined in a formal memo to Customs and Immigration Enforcement forces, establishing new enforcement measures. Under the order, such migrants can be taken into custody while their immigration cases are re-examined. Those affected may be held for an unspecified period until a final review of their legal status is completed.

Authorities have not specified the number of migrants impacted, but reports indicate the measure could affect thousands, including Afghan nationals awaiting residency decisions. Immigration experts have noted that prolonged detention could raise legal and humanitarian concerns, especially for individuals with pending cases lacking final determinations.

The policy comes amid ongoing immigration procedures for tens of thousands of Afghans relocated to the United States under special programs following the 2021 fall of Afghanistan's former government. Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump called for halting the migration process for certain Afghan arrivals after an Afghan national was arrested in connection with an alleged attack on National Guard members.

The directive highlights tightening U.S. immigration enforcement and potential significant implications for migrants seeking permanent residency approvals.