Easier to deport (him and the rest of the family) if they’re card carrying “immigrants/aliens.”
In addition, any immigrant who hasn’t yet become a U.S. citizen, including a green-card holder (permanent resident) can be deported if he or she does something that’s on the immigration law’s list of grounds of deportability.
What Are the Grounds of Deportability?
The grounds of deportability are found in Section 237 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.). For example, non-citizens can become deportable if they:
Commit certain types of crimes, most notably an aggravated felony; domestic violence; a crime of moral turpitude (CMT) committed within five years after being admitted to the U.S. or getting a green card, if the prison sentence was for at least one year; or two CMTs not arising out of a single scheme of criminal misconduct.
Fail to advise USCIS of their changes of address within 10 days of moving.
Are discovered to have committed marriage fraud.
Helped smuggle other aliens into the U.S.
Are or have been drug abusers or addicts, or have been convicted of any drug-related violations other than other than a single offense involving possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana for personal use.
Have committed document fraud
Have falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen.