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Do I have to carry my green card around with me?

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Question:

I have a green card which allows me to live and work in the U.S. I do not always carry it with me because I am afraid I might lose it. Even though my green card picture is on the card, I am worried someone might take it and try to get my green card benefits. I know other people who carry it with them, but I keep it in a lockbox in my apartment so nothing can happen to it. What are the green card rules? Isn’t my green card and green card information safest in my lockbox?

Answer: (1)

Actually, while your green card may be safe in your lockbox, if you are questioned for any reason by police or immigration officials, you must have your original green card with you or you can be charged with a crime. The Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.), which defines immigration law in the United States, states “Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him.... Any alien who fails to comply with [these] provisions shall be guilty of a misdemeanor" and may be subject to fine and/or imprisonment upon each conviction. (See I.N.A. Section 264(e).)

It is wise to keep a photocopy of your green card and all other official documents of birth and nationality in a safe place in case something should happen to your original. The copy will be extremely helpful when you apply for a new one. Also, if your green card is stolen, be sure to report the matter to police -- if only to help assure the immigration authorities that you didn't sell it yourself!

For details on how to apply for a replcement green card, see "Lost My Green Card: What Do I Do?"

During times when you are waiting to receive a green card (whether your first one or a replacement after it was lost) you should carry your receipt and any other documentation that shows you have been approved for lawful permanent residence.

References:

Posted by Christine Callahan on 11 May 2010

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