A major immigration reform proposal in the United States has sparked concerns among millions of immigrants, especially Green Card holders. The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that could drastically change how the government handles foreigners convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). If signed into law, even lawful permanent residents—commonly known as Green Card holders—could face deportation for a DUI conviction, regardless of whether it is classified as a misdemeanor or felony.
This development has caused widespread anxiety within immigrant communities. With nearly 13 million Green Card holders in the United States and about 9 million eligible to apply for citizenship, the implications of this bill could be far-reaching.
What the New Bill Proposes
The bill, formally titled the “Jeremy and Angel Seay and Sergeant Brandon Mendoza Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act of 2025”, sets strict measures for foreigners convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It explicitly states that:
“Any foreigner who has been convicted of an offense for driving while intoxicated or impaired, as those terms are defined under the law of the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred, including a conviction for driving while under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or drugs, without regard to whether the conviction is classified as a misdemeanor or felony under Federal, State, tribal, or local law, is deportable.”
In simpler terms, the bill creates two major consequences for immigrants:
- Inadmissibility: Foreigners convicted of DUI would not be allowed to enter the U.S.
- Deportability: Foreigners already living in the U.S., including Green Card holders, could face removal if convicted of DUI.
This marks a major shift in U.S. immigration policy. Currently, DUI is not classified as a ground for inadmissibility or deportability. While certain crimes can lead to deportation, simple DUI convictions have not traditionally fallen into this category. This bill would change that permanently.
Why the Bill Was Introduced
The motivation behind this legislation comes from tragic cases involving impaired drivers who were in the U.S. illegally. The bill was named after Jeremy and Angel Seay, siblings from Alabama, who were killed on June 13, 2009, when an undocumented immigrant named Freddie DeLeon Perez crashed into their motorcycle. Perez pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of leaving the scene of an accident with injuries. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Their case, along with others, has been used to highlight gaps in the U.S. immigration system that allow offenders convicted of DUI to remain in the country or re-enter after removal. Representative Barry Moore, who introduced the bill, has emphasized that the law aims to prevent repeat offenders from endangering American communities.
What Counts as a DUI Under the Bill?
The bill broadens the definition of DUI beyond the typical “driving while intoxicated” charge. It includes:
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- Operating under the influence (OUI)
- Any federal or state offense making it unlawful to drive while impaired
However, it does not include lesser offenses such as negligent driving or traffic violations that do not prove actual impairment.
By including all state and federal impaired-driving offenses, the bill creates a wide net that could impact a large number of immigrants, even those convicted of their first DUI offense.
Why This Bill Matters for Green Card Holders
Green Card holders are lawful permanent residents with the right to live and work in the United States indefinitely. However, they are still considered “foreigners” under U.S. law until they naturalize as U.S. citizens. This means they are still subject to immigration laws, including deportation under certain circumstances.
Under current law, crimes such as drug trafficking, aggravated felonies, and crimes of moral turpitude can make Green Card holders deportable. DUI, unless it involves serious injury, has not generally been included. With this bill, however, a single DUI conviction could result in detention and deportation proceedings.
For the millions of permanent residents who have lived in the U.S. for years, built careers, and raised families, this bill represents a potential life-altering risk.
Supporters’ Perspective
Supporters of the bill argue that it strengthens public safety and holds foreigners accountable for reckless behavior that can endanger communities. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of traffic deaths in the U.S., with thousands of lives lost each year due to impaired drivers.
Backers believe that immigrants who choose to drive under the influence have violated not only the law but also the trust granted to them by being allowed to live in the U.S. They argue that removing these individuals would deter dangerous behavior and prevent repeat offenses.
Critics’ Concerns
On the other hand, critics see the bill as overly harsh and discriminatory. They argue that it unfairly targets immigrants for a crime that, while serious, is already punishable under U.S. criminal law. Deportation, they say, is an extreme penalty that separates families and destabilizes communities.
Immigrant rights groups warn that the bill could result in thousands of families being torn apart over a single mistake. They also point out that U.S. citizens convicted of DUI face fines, license suspensions, and sometimes jail time—but they are not banished from their own country. For Green Card holders, however, the consequences would be far more severe.
Furthermore, immigration advocates argue that this policy could discourage immigrants from seeking help or legal representation in DUI cases out of fear of immediate deportation.
Broader Immigration Implications
If this bill becomes law, it could set a precedent for expanding the list of deportable offenses. Historically, immigration policy has been toughened in response to high-profile crimes involving immigrants. Critics worry that this trend could continue, making even minor offenses grounds for deportation.
Additionally, the bill highlights the importance of U.S. citizenship for Green Card holders. While permanent residency allows individuals to live and work in the U.S., only naturalization provides full protection from deportation. Immigration lawyers may see a surge in Green Card holders rushing to apply for citizenship if this bill advances further in Congress.
Key Takeaways
- The bill allows for deportation of Green Card holders and other immigrants convicted of DUI, regardless of whether it is a misdemeanor or felony.
- It also creates a new ground of inadmissibility, preventing foreigners with DUI convictions from entering the U.S.
- Nearly 13 million Green Card holders could be affected, with 9 million eligible to apply for citizenship.
- Supporters argue the bill enhances public safety, while critics call it extreme and discriminatory.
- The bill reflects ongoing debates over immigration reform and the balance between national security and immigrant rights.
Final Thoughts
The “Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act of 2025” is one of the most significant immigration enforcement measures proposed in recent years. By directly targeting DUI offenses, it introduces a new ground for both inadmissibility and deportation, dramatically changing the legal landscape for immigrants in the U.S.
For Green Card holders, the message is clear: even a single DUI conviction could have devastating consequences, not just legally but personally. Families, careers, and decades of life built in the U.S. could be undone in an instant.
As the bill moves forward, immigrants, advocates, and lawmakers alike will continue to debate its fairness, necessity, and impact. But one thing is certain—if passed into law, it will mark a turning point in U.S. immigration policy, making it more unforgiving toward non-citizens who break the law.
