How Can Supporting Violence or Terrorism Lead to Green Card Revocation?

What Can Get Your Green Card Revoked?

You don’t have to personally throw a Molotov cocktail to be in trouble. The U.S. government has a broad definition of activities that threaten national security, and if you’re involved in any of the following, your green card might be in jeopardy:

• Supporting or funding terrorism – Even if you’re not the one planting explosives, providing material support (money, resources, or even public endorsements) can put you on the wrong side of the law.
• Encouraging the overthrow of the government – Passionate about revolution? Maybe keep those thoughts to yourself, because even advocating for the violent overthrow of the U.S. government can land you in legal trouble.
• Committing or promoting violent acts – This isn’t just about terrorism. If your actions (or public support of violent groups) threaten public safety, the government has no problem hitting the eject button.

Case Study: Columbia University and the Hamas Controversy

To understand how these laws play out in real life, let’s look at a recent controversy at Columbia University.

In the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, pro-Palestinian protests erupted on college campuses across the U.S., including at Columbia. Some student groups openly expressed support for Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. While peaceful protest is protected under the First Amendment, public expressions of support for terrorism—especially if they include fundraising or advocacy for violent action—can have serious legal consequences for non-citizens.

Let’s say an international student or green card holder at Columbia University attends a rally where chants or statements openly glorify Hamas attacks. If that person is later found to have donated to a Hamas-affiliated group or engaged in further advocacy that crosses the line into material support, their residency could be at risk.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department have made it clear: any association with terrorist organizations, even indirectly, can result in visa revocation, deportation, or green card cancellation.

Who Decides Your Fate?

The Secretary of State, along with Homeland Security, holds the power to determine whether someone’s actions warrant green card revocation. They don’t need a courtroom trial to make this decision; if they have sufficient evidence that a resident poses a threat to U.S. national security, they can take action.

Here’s what could happen:

1. Your Green Card Gets Revoked – Once the government determines you’ve supported or engaged in terrorism-related activities, your residency is gone.
2. You’re Placed in Deportation Proceedings – Immigration authorities will likely initiate removal proceedings, and your chances of successfully fighting it in court are slim.
3. You Become Permanently Inadmissible – If your green card is revoked due to terrorism-related activities, you won’t just be deported—you’ll likely be permanently barred from ever re-entering the U.S.

What About Free Speech?

It’s important to note that free speech protections do exist, but they don’t extend to speech that incites violence or supports terrorist organizations. The Patriot Act and various immigration laws give the government broad authority to act against non-citizens who engage in speech or actions that promote terrorism.

For example, if a green card holder publicly praises or donates to Hamas under the banner of free speech, the government can still argue that this constitutes material support for terrorism—which is illegal.

Other Real-Life Cases of Deportation and Green Card Revocation

• In 2017, a Sudanese national lost his green card after it was discovered he had made social media posts supporting ISIS. Even though he never participated in violence, the U.S. government deemed his actions sufficient grounds for removal.
• A Pakistani green card holder was deported in 2020 after attending multiple online meetings with individuals linked to Al-Qaeda. Even though he never carried out an attack, his online associations were enough for Homeland Security to classify him as a national security threat.

Final Thoughts: Stay Smart, Stay Legal

Having a green card is a privilege, not an invincibility shield. If you want to keep it, follow the law, avoid supporting extremist groups, and maybe don’t get involved in overthrowing governments. The U.S. values free speech, but when that speech turns into support for violence or terrorism, the government has no problem showing you the exit.

The bottom line? Stay informed, think before you act, and don’t let a moment of poor judgment cost you your residency—or your future in the U.S.