U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reminding lawful permanent residents to carry proof of their immigration status at all times, warning that failure to do so could lead to legal consequences. “Always carry your alien registration documentation. Not having these when stopped by federal law enforcement can lead to a misdemeanor and fines,” CBP wrote on X.
The renewed warning comes as President Donald Trump directs his administration to remove millions of migrants without legal status, fulfilling a campaign pledge of mass deportations. The White House has stated that anyone living in the country unlawfully is considered a criminal. While the administration’s focus has been on those without legal status, reports show that immigrants with valid documentation, including green card holders and visa holders, have also been detained. Outlets have documented dozens of cases in which lawful permanent residents and applicants were caught up in Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.
As of January 1, 2024, there were an estimated 12.8 million lawful permanent residents living in the United States, according to the Office of Homeland Security Statistics. The requirement for non-citizens to carry registration documents is not new. It stems from Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which makes it a federal misdemeanor to fail to carry such documents. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), lawful permanent residents who fail to comply with this requirement risk losing their immigration status and could face removal from the country.
Green card holders have legal protections if detained. They have the right to remain silent and request legal representation. While carrying proof of status is mandatory, individuals are not required to answer questions without a lawyer present. Adding to the concerns of immigrants navigating the legal system, USCIS has introduced a new $1,050 fee for certain applications that were previously free when filed as part of a green card case being adjudicated by an immigration court. This applies to Form I-131, used for requesting travel documents such as advance parole, and Form I-765, the application for employment authorization. The agency’s change places a significant financial burden on those pursuing lawful permanent residency while involved in court proceedings.
CBP reinforced its message in another post on X, stating, “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. Failing to do so can lead to a misdemeanor and fines if you are stopped by federal law enforcement. If you are a non-citizen, please follow the laws of the United States of America.”
Papers, please!
https://knewz.com/immigration-officials-issue-new-warning-green-card-holders
