Holding a U.S. Green Card is a significant achievement that allows lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to live and work freely in the United States. However, along with these rights come certain legal responsibilities that must not be overlooked. One of the most crucial yet often misunderstood requirements is the obligation to carry proof of your immigration status at all times.
In recent years, enforcement authorities have tightened their scrutiny over compliance with immigration laws. Reports have surfaced of Green Card holders facing fines or, in rare cases, short-term imprisonment for failing to carry their registration documents. Understanding these laws and your responsibilities as a permanent resident is essential for maintaining your lawful status and avoiding unnecessary legal complications.
The Legal Obligation: Compulsory Registration Under U.S. Law
According to Section 262 of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), all immigrants aged 14 years or older who were not registered or fingerprinted during their visa application process — and who remain in the United States for more than 30 days — are legally required to apply for registration and fingerprinting with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Once this process is complete, DHS issues the immigrant a document known as evidence of registration. For lawful permanent residents, this evidence typically takes the form of a Permanent Resident Card, more commonly known as the Green Card.
Importantly, this registration is not in itself a form of immigration status — it is a proof of registration that demonstrates compliance with U.S. law. It does not automatically grant employment authorization, social benefits, or other legal rights beyond confirming lawful presence in the country.
Why Carrying Your Green Card Is Mandatory
For many Green Card holders, it may seem unnecessary to carry the card everywhere — after all, it’s a valuable document that could be lost or stolen. However, under Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, every non-citizen aged 18 or older must have their registration document in their personal possession at all times.
This law applies to all lawful permanent residents, regardless of how long they have lived in the U.S. or their employment or family status. The reasoning behind this rule is simple: the card serves as immediate proof that the person is legally authorized to live and work in the country.
Failing to comply with this requirement can have real consequences. Violating Section 264(e) may result in a fine of up to $100 or imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both. Although prosecutions are uncommon, enforcement actions are legally permitted, and fines have been issued in certain cases.
Real Case: A Chicago Resident Fined for Non-Compliance
A recent case in Chicago brought renewed attention to this law. A 60-year-old Green Card holder was fined $130 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after investigators discovered that he did not have his Green Card on him while sitting in a public park.
While the case involved a relatively minor penalty, it underscores a critical point: failing to carry valid immigration documentation can attract penalties, even during routine encounters with law enforcement. ICE and other federal agencies are authorized to verify a person’s immigration status at any time, especially in public spaces or during security checks.
This case serves as a reminder that compliance with U.S. immigration law is not just about holding the right status—it’s also about being able to prove it on demand.
What the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Says
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clearly states on its official website that all lawful permanent residents aged 18 or older must carry a valid Green Card at all times. The Green Card acts as evidence of registration and authorization to live and work in the United States.
Failure to comply with this regulation can be classified as a misdemeanor offense. According to USCIS guidelines, any non-citizen who does not carry proof of registration can be:
- Fined up to $5,000,
- Imprisoned for up to 30 days, or
- Subjected to both penalties, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation.
These penalties may seem harsh for something as simple as forgetting an ID, but they are intended to maintain strict immigration recordkeeping and national security compliance.
The Importance of Proof of Status
Carrying your Green Card is not merely a formality. It is a legal safeguard that can protect you in situations where your immigration status might be questioned. This includes:
- Encounters with law enforcement officers
- Airport security checks during domestic travel
- Employment verification processes
- Emergency or hospital identification situations
In each of these cases, having your Green Card readily available can help you avoid unnecessary delays, questioning, or potential detention. It demonstrates that you are legally registered under U.S. immigration law and have the right to remain in the country.
Misconceptions About Carrying a Green Card
Many permanent residents believe that keeping a photocopy or digital image of their Green Card is sufficient. However, this is not legally acceptable under the INA. The law requires that the original physical card be carried at all times. A photocopy may serve as backup in case the original is lost, but it does not replace the legal requirement.
Another misconception is that the rule only applies when traveling internationally. In reality, the requirement to carry proof of registration applies within U.S. borders as well, even when traveling domestically or performing daily activities.
Additional Scrutiny and Background Checks
In recent years, U.S. immigration authorities have also expanded their focus on compliance and background investigations. Lawful permanent residents are increasingly being asked to verify personal and professional details during adjustment-of-status or naturalization processes.
This includes neighborhood investigations, where immigration officers may seek testimonial letters from neighbors, employers, or business associates to confirm the applicant’s residence and good moral character. In certain cases, authorities have also scrutinized spousal relationships more deeply during immigration interviews, particularly to detect fraudulent or sham marriages.
While these checks are standard parts of immigration security procedures, maintaining complete compliance with all documentation requirements—especially carrying your Green Card—helps avoid unnecessary suspicion or administrative delays.
The Risk of Losing Permanent Residency or Citizenship
Although rare, non-compliance with immigration laws can raise red flags during later applications for naturalization (U.S. citizenship). The U.S. government has, in some cases, revoked citizenship or permanent resident status due to fraud, misrepresentation, or repeated violations of immigration law.
Additionally, underreporting income on tax returns, engaging in criminal activity, or failing to maintain continuous residence can also threaten one’s status as a lawful permanent resident. Maintaining good legal standing means following every requirement, including something as simple as carrying proof of registration.
Best Practices for Green Card Holders
To ensure compliance and avoid penalties, Green Card holders should follow these best practices:
- Always carry your physical Green Card in a secure but accessible place, such as your wallet or ID holder.
- Keep a photocopy of the Green Card at home or stored digitally for backup purposes.
- Report any loss or theft immediately to USCIS by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.
- Renew your Green Card before it expires (typically every 10 years).
- Stay informed about immigration regulations and updates on the USCIS website.
- Comply with U.S. tax laws and maintain accurate records of residence, employment, and travel history.
By following these simple steps, you not only comply with the law but also protect yourself against avoidable complications in the future.
Conclusion: Compliance Protects Your Legal Status
Being a U.S. Green Card holder comes with the privilege of living and working in one of the world’s most regulated immigration systems. But that privilege comes with responsibility. One of the simplest yet most critical obligations is to carry your Green Card at all times.
Failing to do so may seem trivial, but it can have real legal and financial consequences. As demonstrated by recent enforcement cases, immigration authorities are within their rights to impose fines or short-term imprisonment for non-compliance.
In summary, always treat your Green Card as an essential legal document—not just proof of residency, but a shield that protects your right to live, work, and travel freely within the United States. Carrying it with you is not just good practice—it’s the law.
