Green Card at Risk: The Republican Proposal That Seeks Deportation for DUI

Republican proposal puts Green Card at risk

One DUI would be enough for removal

Green Card in immediate jeopardy

A new Republican proposal in Congress could change U.S. immigration rules.

It is the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, which seeks to make a single offense—or even an admission—related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) grounds for denying entry or deporting non-citizens.

This would include those who already hold permanent residency (green card), as well as international students or workers on temporary visas.

The Deportation for DUI Proposal That Could Change Immigration Rules

Green Card at Risk: Deportation for DUI – PHOTO Shutterstock

Why it matters

The Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, approved in June by the House of Representatives, would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Until now, a DUI could complicate immigration procedures but was not always an automatic reason for deportation.

The proposal would change that, turning almost any record of this kind into a serious immigration obstacle.

The law firm Landerholm Immigration issued a warning to its clients:

“One of the most alarming aspects of this bill is that you don’t even need a conviction. If you ever admitted to driving drunk, that alone could make you inadmissible—even if charges were dropped, even if it was a plea deal, or if many years have passed.”

What They’re Saying About the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act

Senator Bill Hagerty, who is pushing the measure in the Senate, was blunt in February:

“Our nation is seeing an increase in violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants, and they are not being held accountable. It is inconceivable that illegal immigrants who break our laws and endanger our communities can remain in the U.S. (…) I am pleased to introduce this common-sense legislation that would strengthen our ability to protect citizens.”

From the political side, former Republican Senate candidate Peter Lumaj stated:

“Good moral character is required for anyone not born in the U.S. who wants to naturalize. DUI is not a minor crime and should be grounds to deny citizenship.”

In contrast, the legal perspective points to a more troubling outlook, particularly for green card holders.

Attorney Joseph Tsang warned:

“I believe it will eventually become law with certain modifications, and it will cause great suffering for many green card holders and their families.”

He also cautioned on social media:

“A DUI could cause deportation—even from ten years ago. If it becomes law, anyone who is not a U.S. citizen—whether a green card holder, international student, or H-1B worker—could be inadmissible or deportable for having a DUI in their record.”

What Comes Next

The bill, H.R.6976, was introduced in January by Representative Barry Moore.

After passing the House, it is now in the Senate, where it will require further debate and, ultimately, the president’s signature to become law.

Meanwhile, the numbers highlight the scale of the issue: more than 43,000 non-citizens were arrested on DUI charges between 2018 and 2023, according to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Related: U.S. Suspends Visas for Foreign Truck Drivers After Controversial Accident in Florida

Supporters argue the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act is about protecting public safety.

Critics see it as an overly broad and severe standard that could punish even immigrants with old offenses and no serious criminal history.

The debate now rests in the Senate, but its potential effects are already creating uncertainty for thousands of immigrant families.

Do you believe a single DUI should be enough to deport even those who already have a Green Card?

SOURCE: Newsweek