Do I Have To Carry My Green Card At All Times?
Author: New York Immigration Lawyer Alena Shautsova
As a U.S. immigration lawyer based in New York, I am often asked by lawful permanent residents (LPRs): “Do I really have to carry my green card with me everywhere I go?” The short answer is yes—and the consequences for failing to do so may surprise you.
Legal Requirement to Carry a Green Card
Under 8 U.S. Code § 1304(e), every lawful permanent resident aged 18 or older must carry their green card—also known as Form I-551—at all times. The law clearly states:
“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…”
Failure to comply with this rule is not a minor issue—it’s a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $100, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
This legal requirement has been on the books for decades, but in July 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) renewed public awareness around it with a formal warning, reminding green card holders that “lawful permanent residency is a privilege, not a right.”
Why Is CBP Emphasizing This Now?
CBP's warning comes amidst broader enforcement efforts and evolving immigration priorities. Increasingly, permanent residents have been subjected to secondary inspections at U.S. ports of entry, especially when returning from extended international trips or if there are concerns about their criminal history or abandonment of residency.
CBP has made it clear that failure to present proof of your lawful status—such as your green card—during such encounters can delay your re-entry, trigger more invasive questioning, or in some cases, lead to referrals for removal proceedings.
What Happens If You Don’t Have It?
Imagine being stopped by law enforcement or immigration officers and not being able to present your green card. Even if you are lawfully present in the U.S., the absence of proof can raise red flags.
Here are potential consequences:
- Being charged with a misdemeanor under immigration law.
- Referral to ICE for further investigation.
- Secondary inspection or delays at airports or border crossings.
- Detention or even removal proceedings, in rare but serious cases.
Practical Tips for Green Card Holders
1. Always carry your green card.
Make it part of your daily routine, like carrying your driver’s license. If you're concerned about loss or theft, consider using a protective sleeve and avoid storing it in easily misplaced places.
2. Keep digital copies—but don’t rely on them.
A scanned copy or photo of your green card can help with replacement, but digital copies are not a substitute for the original during legal inspections.
3. Prepare documents before travel.
If you’re traveling abroad, especially for longer than six months, bring:
- Your green card
- Tax returns, lease agreements, pay stubs, or employment letters to prove ties to the U.S.
4. Avoid abandonment of status.
Traveling abroad for more than 180 days may trigger scrutiny. You must demonstrate intent to return to the U.S. as your permanent home.
5. Renew your card on time.
Expired green cards can also create issues at ports of entry and during employment or identity verification. File Form I-90 with USCIS at least six months before your green card expires.
What If You Lost Your Green Card?
If your green card is lost or stolen, you must apply for a replacement immediately using Form I-90. While the form is pending, you can request an I-551 stamp from USCIS, which serves as temporary proof of status.
In case you are traveling and have lost your card abroad, you must obtain a boarding foil (formerly known as a transportation letter) from a U.S. consulate to re-enter the U.S.
Know Your Rights—But Respect the Law
As a green card holder, you enjoy many rights, including the ability to live and work permanently in the U.S. However, you are also subject to legal responsibilities, including carrying proof of your status.
Failing to carry your green card isn’t just a technical violation—it can open the door to more serious consequences, especially in today’s strict immigration environment.
Final Thoughts from a New York Immigration Lawyer
At the Law Office of Alena Shautsova, we work with immigrants every day to protect their rights and ensure compliance with ever-changing immigration regulations.
Whether you’re applying for a green card, seeking U.S. citizenship, facing removal, or simply have questions about your status, we’re here to help.
- Need assistance with a lost or expired green card?
- Concerned about a recent border entry experience?
- Want to protect your permanent resident status?
Book a confidential consultation today. Let’s protect your future—together.
Call 917 885 2261