USCIS Green Card Review: What Lawful Permanent Residents Should Know About Rescission Notices

U.S. lawful permanent resident status remains one of the most secure immigration statuses available. However, recent reporting indicates that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has expanded its review of certain previously approved green card cases, including cases involving lawful permanent residents who may now face additional scrutiny.

According to public reporting, USCIS has created a Tactical Operations Division to conduct retrospective reviews of certain approved immigration benefits, including permanent resident cases. The reported review effort has focused on cases involving potential criminal history, alleged fraud or misrepresentation, national security concerns, and certain categories of humanitarian-based immigration benefits.

For lawful permanent residents, the key takeaway is not that every green card is at risk. Rather, individuals who receive a Notice of Intent to Rescind, or who have underlying immigration, criminal, or disclosure issues, should take the matter seriously and respond within the required deadline.

USCIS Review of Approved Green Card Cases

USCIS has reportedly begun reviewing certain previously approved lawful permanent resident cases through a newly created internal unit. The review appears to be part of a broader effort to identify cases in which the government believes permanent resident status may have been granted in error or based on incomplete, inaccurate, or allegedly fraudulent information.

Public reporting indicates that thousands of permanent resident cases have been selected for review, with a smaller number of green card holders identified for potential removal or deeper review.

This does not mean that all permanent residents will be re-adjudicated. It does, however, show that USCIS and related immigration authorities may be looking more closely at certain categories of approved cases, particularly where there are facts that may raise admissibility, fraud, criminal, or national security concerns.

Which Green Card Cases May Receive Additional Scrutiny?

Based on available reporting and internal government materials described in the source article, the current USCIS green card review effort may focus on several categories of cases.

These may include lawful permanent residents with:

• Criminal records, including certain DUI, controlled substance, domestic violence, sexual assault, or other criminal history concerns;

• Alleged fraud or misrepresentation in prior immigration filings;

• Inconsistent statements across immigration applications, interviews, or supporting documents;

• Humanitarian-based green cards, including certain asylum, refugee, or other humanitarian categories approved during prior administrations;

• Potential national security concerns or unresolved background check issues;

• Prior applications involving disputed identity, relationship, income, employment, or eligibility documentation.

The existence of one of these factors does not automatically mean that a lawful permanent resident will lose status. Each case depends on the specific facts, the applicable law, the immigration record, and the government’s stated basis for review.

What Is a Notice of Intent to Rescind?

A Notice of Intent to Rescind is a formal notice issued by USCIS when the agency believes that a person’s lawful permanent resident status may have been improperly granted.

A rescission proceeding is different from an ordinary Request for Evidence or routine case update. It may directly affect a person’s green card status and, if not addressed properly, may lead to the loss of lawful permanent residence.

A Notice of Intent to Rescind generally identifies the government’s concerns and provides a deadline to respond. The response may need to address factual allegations, legal eligibility issues, prior application materials, criminal history, alleged misrepresentation, or other matters identified by USCIS.

Because these notices carry strict deadlines, green card holders should not ignore them or attempt to respond without fully understanding the legal consequences.

Why Green Card Rescission Matters

Green card rescission can have serious immigration consequences. If USCIS rescinds lawful permanent resident status, the individual may lose the legal basis for permanent residence and may later face removal proceedings, depending on the facts of the case.

The risk is especially significant where USCIS alleges that the original green card approval involved:

• Fraud or willful misrepresentation;

• Ineligibility at the time of adjustment of status;

• Failure to disclose material facts;

• Criminal conduct affecting admissibility;

• Issues related to asylum, refugee, or humanitarian eligibility;

• National security or background check concerns.

A rescission notice should be treated as a time-sensitive legal matter. The response should be carefully prepared and supported by the relevant immigration record, documentary evidence, and legal arguments.

What Lawful Permanent Residents Should Do Now

Lawful permanent residents do not need to panic simply because USCIS is reviewing certain cases. However, individuals with potential risk factors should be proactive in reviewing their immigration history and preparing key documents.

1. Confirm and Update Your Address with USCIS

USCIS notices are generally sent to the address on file. If a lawful permanent resident has moved and failed to update the address, the individual may miss an important notice, deadline, or request.

Permanent residents should ensure that their address is current with USCIS. In general, noncitizens are required to update their address within 10 days of moving.

Missing a USCIS notice can create serious consequences, especially where the notice has a short response deadline.

2. Organize Prior Immigration Records

Lawful permanent residents should keep a complete copy of their immigration history, including:

• Form I-485 and supporting documents;

• Prior visa petitions;

• Requests for Evidence and responses;

• USCIS approval notices;

• Interview notices;

• Asylum, refugee, or humanitarian application records, if applicable;

• Criminal disposition records, if any;

• Prior attorney submissions;

• Any correspondence from USCIS, ICE, EOIR, or the Department of State.

Having a complete file allows an attorney to quickly evaluate the case if USCIS issues a Notice of Intent to Rescind or another immigration notice.

3. Review Prior Statements for Consistency

USCIS may compare statements made across different immigration forms, interviews, supporting letters, and later filings. Inconsistencies do not always mean fraud, but they may trigger questions if they relate to material facts.

Permanent residents should review whether prior filings are consistent regarding:

• Marital history;

• Employment history;

• Address history;

• Criminal history;

• Immigration history;

• Family relationships;

• Asylum or refugee claims;

• Prior entries, exits, and immigration status.

If there are inconsistencies, they should be evaluated with legal counsel before the individual files new immigration forms, applies for naturalization, or responds to USCIS.

4. Assess Criminal or Arrest History

A criminal record can have immigration consequences even where the case appears minor or occurred years ago.

Lawful permanent residents with any criminal or arrest history should obtain certified court records and consult immigration counsel before responding to USCIS, applying for citizenship, traveling internationally, or assuming that the matter has no immigration effect.

This is especially important for cases involving controlled substances, domestic violence, DUI-related issues, fraud, theft, assault, or other offenses that may affect admissibility or removability.

5. Review Asylum, Refugee, or Humanitarian-Based Green Cards

Permanent residents who obtained green cards through asylum, refugee status, or other humanitarian programs may wish to review their underlying case file, particularly if the original case involved complex facts, changed country conditions, identity documentation issues, or prior inconsistencies.

This does not mean that these cases are automatically defective. However, if USCIS requests information or issues a rescission notice, the response must be grounded in the original record and the applicable legal standards.

Responding to a Notice of Intent to Rescind

A response to a Notice of Intent to Rescind should be prepared carefully. Depending on the case, the response may need to include:

• A factual chronology;

• Copies of prior USCIS filings and approvals;

• Documentary evidence supporting eligibility;

• Certified criminal records and legal analysis, if applicable;

• Evidence rebutting alleged fraud or misrepresentation;

• Declarations or supporting records;

• Legal arguments addressing the rescission standard;

• Evidence showing that the original green card approval was proper.

The response should directly address the government’s stated concerns. Submitting an incomplete, inconsistent, or unsupported response may increase the risk of rescission or later removal proceedings.

Considerations Before Filing for Naturalization

Lawful permanent residents with potential immigration history issues should be cautious before filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

Naturalization often triggers a fresh review of the applicant’s entire immigration history, including how the green card was obtained. If the government identifies an issue with the underlying permanent residence, the applicant may face not only denial of naturalization but also further review of permanent resident status.

Before filing for naturalization, individuals with prior criminal history, asylum or refugee-based green cards, prior misrepresentation concerns, long absences, or inconsistent immigration records should consider a legal review of the full case history.

Conclusion

A green card remains a strong immigration status, but permanent residence is not immune from government review. Recent reporting on USCIS green card review efforts underscores the importance of maintaining accurate records, monitoring USCIS notices, and responding promptly to any government inquiry.

For lawful permanent residents, the most important step is preparation. Individuals should keep their address current, preserve immigration records, review prior filings for consistency, and seek legal guidance if they receive a Notice of Intent to Rescind or have potential risk factors in their immigration history.

If you have received a Notice of Intent to Rescind from USCIS, it is important to contact an experienced immigration attorney immediately. These notices carry strict response deadlines. If a timely and complete response is not submitted, USCIS may move forward without fully considering your position, and the opportunity for later corrective action may be limited.

ILS can assist with reviewing the notice, evaluating the immigration record, identifying potential risks, and developing an appropriate response strategy. For more information, please contact the ILS legal team at contact@consultils.com.

Disclaimer：This article is based on the latest information from <New York Times> as of May 14, 2026. Given the rapid changes in immigration policies, it is advisable for enterprises to pay close attention to official updates and consult professional immigration lawyers for the latest guidance. Our firm will continue to track policy developments and provide clients with timely and accurate professional services.

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As Partner and Head of Immigration at ILS, Anna advises global employers on all aspects of U.S. business immigration. She helps companies recruit and retain executives and highly skilled professionals essential to their U.S. operations, with experience spanning industries from autonomous driving and biotech, to entertainment, logistics, and manufacturing.

Previously, Anna practiced at leading global law firms and served as in-house counsel and compliance manager in the telecommunications, finance, and gaming industries. This diverse background equips her with practical, cross-industry insights that inform strategic, business-focused immigration solutions.

Email: contact@consultils.com | Phone: 626-344-8949

Melody focuses her practice on U.S. immigration law, advising businesses, investors, and individuals on business immigration, family-based petitions, removal defense, and federal mandamus actions involving immigration delays. Licensed in Georgia, she provides practical counsel in complex immigration matters.

Her business immigration practice includes L-1A, L-1B, E-2, and EB-1C matters for executives, managers, specialized knowledge employees, and investors. She also represents individuals and families in adjustment of status, consular processing, family-based petitions, waivers of inadmissibility, VAWA and U visa matters, religious worker visas, and naturalization applications.

Email: contact@consultils.com | Phone: 626-344-8949