Erlin Richards, a U.S. green card holder for over 30 years, was detained by immigration officials upon his return to the U.S. on March 9, after a trip to the Dominican Republic. His case has raised concerns about the future of lawful permanent residents in the United States, especially amid increasing deportation actions under the current administration.
Richards, who has lived in the U.S. since 1992, was detained at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The reason? A 2006 marijuana possession conviction in Texas, where the drug was still illegal at the time. Despite changes in marijuana laws in many U.S. states—including New York, where Richards resides—the 44-year-old’s past conviction is now putting his future in jeopardy.
His lawyer, Michael Z. Goldman, confirmed that Richards had paid a fine for the conviction and never served jail time, but it’s still enough to land him in immigration custody. Richards, a father of three U.S.-born children, is now being held in the Elizabeth Detention Center in New Jersey, awaiting his final court hearing on May 16.
This case is part of a broader pattern of heightened immigration enforcement, particularly targeting green card holders and visa holders. In recent weeks, even people with valid documents, such as the DACA recipient who was deported to Mexico for over two weeks, have faced similar detentions. Immigration experts are warning that this increasing scrutiny is causing widespread anxiety among lawful residents, with many unsure if their status is safe when re-entering the country.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been clear about its commitment to enforcing immigration laws and preventing the entry of individuals who may pose a threat or have a criminal background. CBP officials recently stated that more than 320 people were denied entry at JFK alone between February and March 2025.
As the Trump administration’s crackdown continues, Richards’ case highlights the growing uncertainty for green card holders. Immigration attorneys caution that those with even minor legal issues in their past may now face the threat of deportation or removal.
For those considering travel abroad, experts suggest thinking twice—especially if your social media activity or past interactions with law enforcement could raise a red flag. The risk of detention, deportation, or even permanent removal is becoming a real concern for many lawful U.S. residents.
