US Immigration Officials Issue Compliance Alert to Green Card Holders

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reminding lawful permanent residents, or green card holders, of their obligation to carry proof of immigration status at all times. 

The renewed advisory, issued on Wednesday, underscores a focus on compliance, reflecting the current administration's wider efforts to expand deportation initiatives. While the directive is rooted in existing law, the CBP’s re-emphasis highlights the increasingly precarious position of green card holders within the US immigration system. Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act stipulates that all non-citizens aged 18 and over must carry their alien registration documentation at all times. 

Non-compliance is classified as a federal misdemeanour, potentially resulting in fines if individuals are stopped by federal law enforcement. The CBP conveyed this message through social media channels, saying that "Every alien… shall at all times carry… any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him. Failing to do so can lead to a misdemeanour and fines."

This renewed enforcement posture arrives amidst broader policy shifts that have placed additional burdens on immigrants. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently introduced a $1,050 fee for applications previously exempt when filed through immigration courts. These include Form I-131, used for travel documents, and Form I-765, the application for employment authorisation. The financial impact is particularly acute for individuals navigating complex legal proceedings while seeking permanent residency.

The administration has pledged to remove millions of undocumented migrants and has broadened enforcement to encompass individuals with valid documentation. This includes green card holders and visa applicants who, despite their legal status, have been detained during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

According to the Office of Homeland Security Statistics, approximately 12.8 million lawful permanent residents reside in the United States as of January 2024. 

These individuals, though legally authorised to live and work in the country, are not immune from removal proceedings if found in violation of immigration or criminal laws. Documents required to be carried include the Green Card (Form I-551), which serves as the primary identification for permanent residents; the Alien Registration Number (A-number), a unique identifier used to track immigration records; the Employment Authorisation Document (Form I-766), a temporary work permit; and the Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94), which details lawful entry and permitted stay. 

Officials stress that even unintentional failure to carry these documents can trigger legal consequences. The current administration has broadened the grounds for deportation. Green card holders may now face removal for minor infractions, misrepresentation during the immigration process, or prolonged absences from the US that suggest abandonment of residency. The expansion of expedited removal procedures and increased ICE activity in previously protected spaces such as schools and hospitals further heightens the risk for lawful residents.

Legal experts caution that while green card holders retain the right to legal representation and due process, the burden of proof often shifts to the individual. Those detained have the right to remain silent and request an attorney, but must still comply with documentation requirements. Within immigrant communities, the green card has long symbolised stability and opportunity. However, under the current enforcement regime, it also represents a conditional status—one that can be revoked for perceived non-compliance.