Carrying around green card?

[rebeccajo 14]

I think some people are concerned about the expense of replacing a lost or stolen green card--$370--which is significantly more than replacing a lost license.

I must admit that when I had my green card over 20 years ago, I didnt carry it either. But times back then were different.

It was pre-911. Security werent this tight and cops could not ask us questions about our legal status.

Somone posted a story about an immigrant, who didnt carry her green card, and got stopped for a traffic violation. She ended up spening some time in jail until the cops could clear everything up.

For me, the $370 cost to replace a card IF it gets lost is worth it if it ensures she wont have to spend any time in jail IF she gets stopped by the cops for anything.

My husband carries his.

I don't think the 9/11 mindset is the reason one needs to carry the card (unless you happen to be from the Middle East - please don't gasp - more on this at the bottom).

The larger issue with many Americans (and the reason for local laws which give police the authority to question legal status) have to do with the current immigration hot potato - illegal immigration. If I were not native born, I would CERTAINLY want to be able to prove I was in this country legally.

This is how I view the issue. First of all, you're legally required to carry it - so carry it. If you're Middle Eastern, carry it to avoid a hassle from people with those prejudices. If you're brown, carry it to avoid a hassle from people with those prejudices.

Not a pretty picture I know. But racism and bigotry still exist in this country. Unfortunately.

[Melyssa 0]

I think some people are concerned about the expense of replacing a lost or stolen green card--$370--which is significantly more than replacing a lost license.

I must admit that when I had my green card over 20 years ago, I didnt carry it either. But times back then were different.

It was pre-911. Security werent this tight and cops could not ask us questions about our legal status.

Somone posted a story about an immigrant, who didnt carry her green card, and got stopped for a traffic violation. She ended up spening some time in jail until the cops could clear everything up.

For me, the $370 cost to replace a card IF it gets lost is worth it if it ensures she wont have to spend any time in jail IF she gets stopped by the cops for anything.

My husband carries his.

I don't think the 9/11 mindset is the reason one needs to carry the card (unless you happen to be from the Middle East - please don't gasp - more on this at the bottom).

The larger issue with many Americans (and the reason for local laws which give police the authority to question legal status) have to do with the current immigration hot potato - illegal immigration. If I were not native born, I would CERTAINLY want to be able to prove I was in this country legally.

This is how I view the issue. First of all, you're legally required to carry it - so carry it. If you're Middle Eastern, carry it to avoid a hassle from people with those prejudices. If you're brown, carry it to avoid a hassle from people with those prejudices.

Not a pretty picture I know. But racism and bigotry still exist in this country. Unfortunately.

Good points! Sad but true.