Key Takeaways
• Green card holders must carry their original Permanent Resident Card at all times, effective April 11, 2025.
• Failure to carry proper ID can lead to fines, up to six months in jail, or possible deportation.
• The rule enforces the Alien Registration Act of 1940 under President Trump’s ‘Protecting the American People Against Invasion’ order.
A new rule in the United States 🇺🇸 now requires all green card holders to carry valid identification proving their legal status at all times. This change took effect on April 11, 2025, as part of President Trump’s executive order called “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.” The order strictly enforces an older law called the Alien Registration Act of 1940, and the main goal is to make sure immigrants, including green card holders, always have proof they are in the country legally.
Background and Reasons for the Change
For many years, United States 🇺🇸 law has said that non-citizens are supposed to carry papers that show their legal status. The Alien Registration Act, passed in 1940, made it clear that people who are not citizens should be able to show proof that they are allowed to stay in the country. While this law has always been around, in the past it was not checked very often, and many green card holders only carried their Permanent Resident Card (also called Form I-551) during big events or when traveling.
The shift to stricter enforcement comes from President Trump’s order, which says the government should make sure everyone follows the law much more closely. Officials state that this move is meant to help protect the country and keep the immigration system orderly.[1][2][3] The new rule is also supposed to help officers easily check who is allowed to be in the United States 🇺🇸, especially as concerns about national security and unauthorized immigration have grown.
What Has Changed and Who Is Affected
Now, all non-citizens aged 18 and older, including green card holders, must have their identification with them at all times. For green card holders, this means always carrying their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), which is their main proof of lawful permanent resident status.[8] The new directive is not just a suggestion or a guideline—it is a legal requirement backed by potential penalties.
- Who must carry ID?
- All non-citizens of the United States 🇺🇸 who are 18 or older
- This includes people with work visas, student visas, tourist visas, and especially green card holders
- What documents count?
- For green card holders, the required document is the Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- For people with other types of visas, it would be their visa or other approved document
- When must you carry it?
- At all times, every day, everywhere you go
Before this directive, many green card holders kept their cards at home or in a safe place to avoid losing them. Some only took their Permanent Resident Card with them for travel or official business like getting a job, since employers must check this card using the Form I-9 process. Now, those habits could lead to trouble.
What Does the Law Say?
The executive order from President Trump enforces sections of the Alien Registration Act of 1940. This law has always said that “every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with them and have in their personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him.” While this was rarely checked in the past, it is now being strictly enforced.
Strictly following the law aligns the United States 🇺🇸 with other countries that have similar “carry ID” rules for foreign residents. However, stricter enforcement also means that regular police or immigration officers can ask for your papers at any time. If someone cannot show their Permanent Resident Card, there are penalties.
Penalties for Not Carrying Proof of Status
According to reports from Business Standard [1], NDTV [2], Business Today [3], and other news sources, those who break this rule can face several penalties:
- A fine
- Jail time for up to six months
- Possible deportation
For green card holders, not having your Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) with you could cause great worry. Losing your green card or failing to show it when asked can now lead to legal trouble, even if you have not broken any other laws.
VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals that even long-time green card holders, some of whom have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for decades, risk penalties if they leave their card at home. Community groups have reported increased anxiety, as many people are afraid they could be stopped and asked for documents while doing everyday things.
Comparison With the Previous Situation
In the past, while the law was written clearly, police and immigration officers usually did not ask everyone to show their Permanent Resident Card. Instead, checks often happened only when someone was traveling internationally, starting a new job, or applying for government services. Many green card holders only carried a copy of their card, not the original, to avoid losing the real card.
Under the current rule, carrying only a copy of your green card—no matter how clear or official-looking—is not enough. The directive insists on having the original Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) on your person.
This shift marks a move from light enforcement to strict checks, and penalties are now a real and present risk for those who do not comply.
Implications for Different Groups
Green Card Holders
- Daily Life: You must now keep your Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) with you at all times, whether you are grocery shopping, exercising, or visiting friends.
- Risk of Loss/Theft: Carrying the original increases the risk of losing or damaging the card. If lost, the process to replace the card takes time, creates worry, and can be costly.
- Job and Housing: Employers still use the same documents to check status, but now you also need to show your card to officials if asked on the street.
Other Immigrants
- Holders of Work, Student, or Tourist Visas: They must also always have their original documents proving their status.
- Visitors and Tourists: Even people staying for short periods can be asked for their visa and ID by police or immigration officers.
Employers
- Notification: Employers are encouraged to remind non-citizen employees about the rule. Failing to do so can lead to problems at work if an employee is detained for not carrying proper documents.
Implementation and Transition
The new directive came into effect on April 11, 2025, right after the executive order was announced. The timeline was swift, and there were no long grace periods. The government quickly sent out reminders, and local authorities received orders to check for green cards more often.
There were some information campaigns to help people learn about the change, but initial news stories reported confusion and worry, especially in communities with many immigrants. Local help centers and legal clinics reported higher calls from people wondering what counts as “proof” and what to do if their Permanent Resident Card was lost or stolen.
Official Statements and Debates
While the government says this rule will help keep the country safe and the immigration system strong, not everyone agrees. Community groups, legal experts, and some public officials have raised worries:
- Privacy: Carrying immigration documents means personal details are always with you. If the documents are lost or stolen, someone could use your name and information.
- Targeting: Some groups worry that police may stop people based on how they look or speak. Concerns about racial profiling have grown.
- Stress: Many people say they feel more stress and worry, especially those who have lived in the country for many years and thought they were settled.
A statement from a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official stressed: “The law has always required all aliens to carry registration documentation. Enforcing this law helps us keep track of who is here legally and protect the system for all.”
Common Questions
What About Minors?
Those under 18 are not required to carry documents at all times.
Does a Photocopy Count?
No. The rule requires you to carry the original Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551). Copies are not valid under this law.
What If I Lose My Green Card?
If you lose your Permanent Resident Card, you should apply for a replacement as soon as possible. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides steps for replacing a lost or stolen card. You can find up-to-date guidance from USCIS on the official Permanent Resident Card page.
What Do I Do If Asked for My Card?
If a police or immigration officer asks, you must show your original card. If you cannot, you could face a fine or be taken into custody.
How This Rule Affects Everyday Life
Being required to always carry a Permanent Resident Card has changed how green card holders behave every day. People now must think about where to keep their card, how to protect it from theft or loss, and what to do if it is damaged. For many years, carrying the original green card felt risky, but now, it is a legal must.
Some people have bought special wallets or cardholders to lower the risk of loss. Others have written down their Permanent Resident Card number in a safe place at home, in case the card is lost or stolen and they need to report it.
Compliance Tips and Next Steps
- Always carry your original Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).
- Store your card safely while traveling. Consider a money belt or deep pocket.
- Do not keep your card in your car or at work; it must be on your person.
- If your card is lost or stolen, quickly report the loss and begin the replacement process through USCIS.
- Let family or trusted friends know where your documents are.
- Remember: It is not enough to carry a copy or a photo on your phone—the original is required.
References and Official Resources
- For an explanation of acceptable identity documents for immigrants, visit the official USCIS Form I-9 documents page.
- For help replacing a lost green card, see the Replace Your Green Card page.
Legal Challenges and Court Decisions
As of now, no major court decisions have blocked or changed the new rule. However, legal teams for some immigrant rights organizations are considering lawsuits, mostly based on privacy and discrimination worries. If a court rules against the policy in the future, there may be new changes or exceptions, so it is important to stay informed.
Summary and Advice
To sum up, green card holders in the United States 🇺🇸, along with most other non-citizens, must now always carry their original Permanent Resident Card. This rule strictly enforces parts of the old Alien Registration Act and comes from a new executive order by President Trump. Not following this rule can lead to fines, jail time, or even deportation. At the same time, carrying your real card makes you more likely to lose or damage it, which is a concern for many.
The best advice is to always have your Permanent Resident Card with you. Make sure you know what to do if your card is lost or stolen, and check the official USCIS resource for instructions. If you have questions about your own immigration record or status, speak with a licensed immigration lawyer who can help with your specific case.
This information is meant as a summary of current law and official guidance. If you need help with your own situation, speak with a legal expert or contact your local immigrant help center. As always, check official government sources or platforms like VisaVerge.com for the most current news about green card rules and other important topics.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. For help with your specific case, consult a qualified immigration attorney or expert.
Learn Today
Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) → An official document that proves someone is legally allowed to live and work in the United States permanently.
Alien Registration Act → A 1940 U.S. law requiring all foreign nationals over 18 to carry proof of legal status at all times.
Executive Order → A directive issued by the President which has the power of law, often used to guide enforcement or policy changes.
USCIS → United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the government agency overseeing lawful immigration and issuing green cards.
Deportation → The formal removal of a non-citizen from the United States for violating immigration laws or regulations.
This Article in a Nutshell
A strict rule requires all U.S. green card holders to carry their original Permanent Resident Card daily. Since April 11, 2025, failure means facing fines, jail, or deportation. The law aims to tighten immigration control under President Trump and greatly increases consequences for losing or failing to present your green card.
— By VisaVerge.com
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