Carrying around green card?

[April123 0]

My husband finally received his green card yesterday in the mail.

It says that permanent residents must carry their green cards around at all times.

Seeing as how importatnt this card is, we were wondering if he could just make a copy and carry that paper around.

I'm wondering why this needs to be done. I mean, why does it need to be carried around? How would people know whether a person is a US Citizen or a permanent resident?

They don't ask citizens to carry around pieces of paper because I sure as hell don't.

Wouldn't it be possible for the permanent resident to say that they're a citizen?

What purposes does the green card hold when carried around? I think he has enough identification with his driver's license.

[eau_xplain 2]

Under no circumstances should an LPR claim to be a USC. By doing so, an LPR can put his/her legal status in jeopardy as "impersonation of a USC" is subject to a lifetime ban.

True the law states that an LPR should always carry his/her GC around at all times. VJers are split on this as some are carrying their GCs all the time while others prefer to carry a copy and leave the original card in a safe place. If you do a search on VJ, there is a poll about LPRs carrying their GCs on them at all times.

[reeses16 8]

I think its a personal choice. Yes, by law its required. But people don't always carry them for the same reasons you/your husband are considering. My hubby has a state ID which I think is sufficient. But he carries his green card with him. We live in an area where there is racial profiling, and we don't want a police stop to turn into an immigration issue. Granted we have his paperwork at home, but if he carries it with him its prevents a situation from escalating.

[David-and-Mae 15]

I only carry a paper copy with me because husband worries about purse-stealing that can lead to identity theft. I used to carry around a copy of my SS card too but have decided that it's too risky. I got my driving permit and military ID for proper identifications.

--Mae

[Reba 2]

I think its a personal choice. Yes, by law its required. But people don't always carry them for the same reasons you/your husband are considering. My hubby has a state ID which I think is sufficient. But he carries his green card with him. We live in an area where there is racial profiling, and we don't want a police stop to turn into an immigration issue. Granted we have his paperwork at home, but if he carries it with him its prevents a situation from escalating.

If however he were to be stopped by police in a random check, and if he were asked about his status and could not produce the green card, they can, by law, toss him in a jail cell until such time that his status can be confirmed.

Personally, I'd rather just carry it with me.

[N360 0]

If however he were to be stopped by police in a random check, and if he were asked about his status and could not produce the green card, they can, by law, toss him in a jail cell until such time that his status can be confirmed.

Personally, I'd rather just carry it with me.

What business is it of a cop to ask anyone of their status? Someone correct me if I am wrong but I dont think cops can even legally ask about an individuals status.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

If however he were to be stopped by police in a random check, and if he were asked about his status and could not produce the green card, they can, by law, toss him in a jail cell until such time that his status can be confirmed.

Personally, I'd rather just carry it with me.

What business is it of a cop to ask anyone of their status? Someone correct me if I am wrong but I dont think cops can even legally ask about an individuals status.

That is exactly what happened to a friend of ours... he was involved in an traffic accident and when the cops came they asked him for his Licence they saw that it was only valid for 2 years (set to expire at the same time as his greencard) it was valid for only another 3 weeks. The cop asked him why his licence was only valid for 2 years instead of the usual 5 years, he explained about the Greencard and the cop asked to see it... he did not carry it with him... the cop thought the licence was fake as he had never seen one valid for only 2 years... so our friend was arrested, he was held overnight until his licence and legal status could be checked... so yes it does happen

He was reminded at the time of his release that the law states he should have his Greencard on his person at all times....

Kez

[Krikit 1,164]

I liken it to carrying around my driver's license, my debit card, and my credit cards. I don't keep the originals at home and carry around a photocopy, because no one's going to accept that.

[Ephesia 0]

I carry mine in my wallet. It's tucked right behind my driver's license.

[eau_xplain 2]

What business is it of a cop to ask anyone of their status? Someone correct me if I am wrong but I dont think cops can even legally ask about an individuals status.

Unfortunately, some counties (and even states) have set up laws and worked at having ICE deputize the police/sheriff to check for immigration status of anybody at a traffic stop or in any situation that the cops respond to.

So, yes, it has become legal for cops to ask individuals their immigration status.

[reeses16 8]

I'm not 100% sure on the Washington State Laws. But in some of the other states I have lived, there have been new laws under discussion where police can ask about immigration status. It just depends on the state.

My husband carries his original green card with him. I like Crikey!'s explanation. We did photo copy the front and the back of the card and keep the copy at home; just in case he looses the card, copy is requested when you file for removal of conditions, and maybe a replacement card too (it doesn't make sense that you could copy it if it was lost and needing replacing.)

[David-and-Mae 15]

I only carry a paper copy with me because husband worries about purse-stealing that can lead to identity theft. I used to carry around a copy of my SS card too but have decided that it's too risky. I got my driving permit and military ID for proper identifications.

--Mae

I forgot to add that whenever we go on a trip like in another state, that's when I feel like carrying my greencard. But basically, I leave at home when on a day to day basis.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I carry mine with me, along with my DL and my military ID. I do keep it in a separate card holder from my wallet in a zippered pocket of my purse, and have a photocopy of it at the house - just in case. I would prefer just being able to carry a copy of it, but I am concerned about the same situation happening as happened to Kezzie's friend.

[CoCo1020 0]

What document should my husband carry now while his AOS is pending? he doesn't have a driver license or state ID, the SS card is supposed to be left at home, his passport is bulky and not easy to replace, his I94 is expired. Could he be randomly asked to identify himself? I never thought that it was necessary in the USA to carry anything. I am a naturalized citizen myself, and I never carried anything if i just went out for a walk, and never ever carried my green card, but I understand that things have changed.

[TracyTN 237]

I guess he could carry a photocopy of the NOA1 on the I 485. My husband didn't, but if you wanted some peace of mind, that's what I'd do.