- By Shivangi Sharma
- Mon, 19 May 2025 11:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The US Justice Department has reportedly told the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia that US Attorney General Pam Bondi has the power to reconsider and even revoke green card holders’ lawful permanent residency at any time, regardless of how long ago the card was issued. This position, if upheld by the court, could mean that the government can revoke permanent residency status years or even decades after issuance. Newsweek reported that this move could affect the 12.8 million green card holders in the US, potentially eroding due process protections.
DOJ attorney Lindsay Murphy argued during the hearing that the Attorney General possesses broad authority to revisit residency cases and strip green cards based on her discretion. This shift fits within the broader context of the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies, including pledges to deport millions of undocumented migrants and prioritise enforcement on those with criminal records.
Case Of Mohammad Qatanani
A central example discussed in court is the case of Mohammad Qatanani, a Palestinian-born imam who has lived in New Jersey since 1996 and leads one of the state’s largest mosques. His struggle to secure permanent residency has stretched over two decades. Qatanani’s initial 1999 application was denied in 2006 due to allegations of ties to Hamas stemming from a 1993 Israeli detention, a charge he denies, stating he was simply detained and mistreated.
Immigration judges ruled in his favour twice, but the Board of Immigration Appeals later revoked his green card, prompting Qatanani to appeal again. When questioned about what qualifies as “exceptional circumstances” for revocation, DOJ attorney Murphy maintained that the Attorney General alone holds the authority to decide, a stance even the judges found “extraordinary.”
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Who Is Pam Bondi?
Pam Bondi, sworn in as the 87th Attorney General of the United States on February 5, 2025, is a fourth-generation Floridian from Tampa. Her tenure as Attorney General is marked by a tough approach to immigration enforcement, which includes advocating for expansive powers in green card revocations.
What This Means for Green Card Holders
If the Third Circuit supports the Justice Department’s position, the legal landscape for permanent residents could change dramatically. Green card holders might face the risk of losing their residency status years after approval, potentially without clear procedural protections.