Key Takeaways
- Green card holders must carry their green card at all times per Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- Non-compliance with this rule is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $100 fine or 30 days imprisonment.
- Green card holders must report address changes to USCIS within 10 days and avoid signing Form I-407 under pressure.
The United States serves as home to millions of lawful permanent residents (LPRs)—individuals also referred to as green card holders. These residents enjoy numerous rights, including unrestricted ability to work, live, and travel within the country and abroad. However, green card status comes with certain legal responsibilities, one of which is the requirement to carry the physical green card at all times. Despite its simplicity, this obligation catches many LPRs off guard, often because they are unaware of this longstanding legal expectation.
Understanding the legal foundation of this rule, how it’s enforced, and its implications is essential for green card holders. In light of recent changes and heightened attention to immigration enforcement, the importance of meeting this requirement has grown. Failure to comply is not merely an oversight—it can lead to significant legal and practical difficulties.
The Legal Foundation: Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
The requirement that lawful permanent residents carry their green cards at all times comes directly from U.S. immigration law. According to Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), non-U.S. citizens above the age of 18 must carry proof of their immigration registration documents with them at all times. For green card holders, this proof is their green card, formally known as the Permanent Resident Card.
Non-compliance with Section 264(e) is not minor—it is considered a misdemeanor criminal offense. Individuals found in violation of this requirement could face fines of up to $100 or imprisonment for up to 30 days. Although enforcement varies, these penalties highlight the seriousness with which the U.S. government treats this rule. The law’s intent is clear: to ensure any individual claiming permanent resident status can verify it upon request by immigration authorities or law enforcement.
This obligation, while fundamental, is often poorly communicated to green card holders. The result is widespread ignorance of a legal mandate that has been part of U.S. immigration policy for decades.
Enforcement in Practice: Renewed Focus on Green Cards
In recent years, the U.S. government has shifted more attention toward enforcing long-standing immigration regulations, including this one. An executive order issued in February 2025 made it clear that compliance with alien registration laws—which include the requirement to carry green cards—was an enforcement priority. Alongside this, green card holders are reminded of another rule outlined by the INA: they must report any change in address to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 10 days of relocating. Non-compliance with either mandate can result in significant penalties, showing the government’s commitment to upholding these laws.
More intense scrutiny is also evident at ports of entry for individuals traveling internationally. This is particularly relevant for green card holders re-entering the country after extended stays abroad. Some have reported that immigration officials attempted to convince them to sign Form I-407, a document that voluntarily surrenders their green card and, by extension, their lawful permanent residence. This has raised alarm among immigration advocates, especially since older adults or those less familiar with their rights may feel pressure to comply even when it’s against their interests.
To navigate these evolving enforcement trends, green card holders are advised to educate themselves about their rights, meet their obligations, and avoid taking hasty actions under stress during immigration procedures.
Historical Roots of the Requirement
Carrying proof of immigration status is not a new concept; its origins trace back to the Alien Registration Act of 1940. This law required all non-citizens aged 14 and older to register their presence in the United States, providing their fingerprints and other personal information in the process. Following registration, they were issued receipt cards to confirm their compliance.
Over the decades, the system adapted to distinguish lawful permanent residents from other categories of non-citizens. In 1946, a formalized document for permanent residents was introduced: Form I-151, commonly called the green card because of its color. Although modern versions of the card have undergone design updates and are no longer consistently green, the term has endured. The most recent upgrades—featuring detailed security enhancements—reflect continuing efforts to prevent fraud, but the fundamental legal obligation to carry the card remains unchanged since its inception.
Why Many Green Card Holders Remain Unaware
Despite the decades-old law, many lawful permanent residents remain unaware of the requirement to carry their green cards. Several factors contribute to this gap in awareness:
- Lack of Clarity in Communication: The process of obtaining a green card primarily focuses on verifying eligibility and completing related formalities. There is little emphasis during interviews or approval on the continued responsibility to carry the card at all times.
- Common Misconceptions: Some green card holders mistakenly believe other identification documents, such as state-issued driver’s licenses or U.S. Social Security cards, can serve as adequate proof of their LPR status. However, this assumption is incorrect under immigration law.
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Fear of Loss or Damage: Many individuals hesitate to carry their green cards daily, citing concern over potential theft or accidental damage. While these fears are reasonable, avoiding the obligation creates further legal and practical challenges.
Education around this requirement often occurs reactively, such as when individuals face issues during law enforcement interactions or other situations requiring proof of status.
Risks and Consequences of Non-Compliance
The risks of failing to comply with the green card carry rule extend beyond the immediate legal penalties laid out under Section 264(e). They include:
- Legal Sanctions: As a misdemeanor, failing to carry a green card subjects the individual to possible fines or brief jail time. These punishments might escalate depending on the nature of the immigration-related encounter.
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Difficulties in Verification: In scenarios requiring quick proof of legal residency—such as employment checks, applying for certain benefits, or law enforcement stops—lack of the green card delays resolution. The individual may be detained unnecessarily until their status is verified through other means.
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Increased Scrutiny During Travel: At ports of entry, green card holders without their cards may undergo heightened inspections. This prolongs what should otherwise be a straightforward immigration procedure and may cause unnecessary stress.
While some LPRs may view these consequences as unlikely, the cumulative challenges can significantly disrupt daily life.
Practical Steps for Green Card Holders
To avoid the pitfalls of non-compliance, green card holders should adopt straightforward practices to secure their legal status:
- Carry Your Green Card Daily: Keep the original card with you whenever possible to ensure instant proof of lawful residency. Photocopies or digital images do not meet the statutory requirements.
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Update Address Changes Promptly: Submit address changes to USCIS within 10 days by completing Form AR-11 to avoid penalties. This form is available online through the official USCIS website here.
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Know Your Rights: Avoid relinquishing your permanent resident status under pressure. Be aware that signing Form I-407 is an irreversible decision and should not be done without first consulting an immigration attorney.
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Stay Informed of Policy Changes: Follow updates and consult reliable sources such as VisaVerge.com for objective analysis of evolving immigration policies.
Conclusion
The requirement to carry your green card may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it holds critical importance for lawful permanent residents in the United States. This legal mandate ensures clear verification of status while safeguarding access to the rights and privileges associated with green card ownership. However, the lack of awareness among millions of green card holders leaves them vulnerable—not only to legal repercussions but also to stressful confrontations and unnecessary disruptions.
By understanding the legal framework outlined in Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, adhering to practical tips for daily compliance, and staying informed on enforcement trends, green card holders can minimize risks while maximizing the benefits of their status. Carrying your green card every day isn’t just a simple act of following the law—it’s a safeguard ensuring your secure and uninterrupted future as a lawful permanent resident.
Learn Today
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) → A non-citizen authorized to live and work permanently in the U.S., commonly known as a green card holder.
Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) → U.S. law requiring non-citizens over 18 to carry proof of their immigration status at all times.
Form I-407 → A document used to voluntarily surrender lawful permanent resident status and abandon green card privileges.
Alien Registration Act of 1940 → Historic U.S. law compelling non-citizens to register their presence and provide personal information to authorities.
Form AR-11 → A mandatory U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services form used to report address changes for lawful permanent residents.
This Article in a Nutshell
Millions of U.S. green card holders often overlook a vital rule: carrying their card daily. Required by law under Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, non-compliance risks fines, delays, or travel scrutiny. Protect your status—stay informed, always carry your card, and avoid unnecessary legal or practical complications.
— By VisaVerge.com
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