Should Green Card Holders Worry About Traveling Internationally?

If you’re a green card holder and you’ve been questioning whether it’s safe to travel internationally due to what you’ve seen on social media—this article is for you.

What’s Going On?

Immigration attorney Lee Marvin, with over 22 years of experience and more than a decade focused on immigration law, addresses a growing concern: Is international travel risky for lawful permanent residents under recent political climates, specifically during the Trump administration?

The Truth Behind the Social Media Panic

Many videos circulating online portray horror stories of green card holders being denied reentry. Attorney Marvin warns that some of these videos are either politically motivated or intended to drive immigrants to seek certain legal services out of fear.

What’s often missing from these viral stories is context:

• Why was the person denied reentry?
• What authority does the government have in these cases?

Government Powers Are Not New

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has always had the power to deny entry—not just to tourists or students, but even to green card holders and, in rare cases, U.S. citizens. This is not a Trump-specific policy. It’s a function of national security.

Should You Worry?

In general, no—not unless you have a specific situation (like a criminal history) that would raise red flags.
Here are two real-life examples from Attorney Marvin’s YouTube followers:

1. 43-Year Green Card Holder: Had a misdemeanor 20 years ago that was forgiven. Traveled in early 2025—no issues.
2. Traveler Pulled for Screening: Stopped twice in 2023 and 2024 for 30 minutes each time. Officers were professional and explained the process. Advice: if eligible, apply for U.S. citizenship.

Special Note for Those with Criminal History

If you have any criminal history:

1. Know exactly what’s in your record before you travel.
2. Take documentation with you. This helps CBP agents process your case faster and builds trust.

Final Advice

Be prepared. Be informed. Cooperate with immigration officials. If you’re eligible to apply for citizenship—do it.