do you really have to carry your green card everywhere?

[sharky 2]

Hey everyone,

I just got my welcome to America letter and it mentions that when you get your green card through, you should always carry it around with you, and then it states that this is the law.....

Do you really need to carry it everywhere? I mean you could lose it pretty easy that way!! I know a few friends who have theirs and they keep it safe in their bedroom drawer!

Paul

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Yes you are ment to carry it at all times...

Permanent Resident Card

The Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, is issued to all Permanent Residents as evidence of alien registration and their permanent status in the US. The card must be in your possession at all times. This requirement means that you are not only required to have a currently valid Form I-551 at all times, but also that you must carry your currently valid Form I-551 on your person at all times. The Permanent Resident Card currently is issued with a 10-year validity. You status as a Permanent Resident does not expire with the 10-year validity. Only the card expires. The card is only valid up to the expiration date and must be renewed before it expires.

Kezzie

[Cassie 8]

Mine's in my purse, which goes with me pretty much everywhere.

[rob&ana 0]

Mine's in my purse, which goes with me pretty much everywhere.

ditto to that...

You just have to be careful with it!

[crazyinEgypt 0]

Yep, it's kinda like a driving license

[Veiled Princess 1]

Hey everyone,

I just got my welcome to America letter and it mentions that when you get your green card through, you should always carry it around with you, and then it states that this is the law.....

Do you really need to carry it everywhere? I mean you could lose it pretty easy that way!! I know a few friends who have theirs and they keep it safe in their bedroom drawer!

Paul

You should have it at all times because it's your proof that you're not here illegally!!! But I totally understand what you mean... my ex carried his in his billfold and lost it several times... you wanna talk about a pain in the rear???? Try getting anything replaced when you are not a citizen and you lose your DL, SSC and GC all at once You have to have this to get that and that to get this The only advice I can offer you is be very careful not to misplace your wallet.

[cmartyn 0]

Well, if you think about it, you never ever need the thing. When you do need it, like applying for a loan or a job or something, you bring it with you. My wifes is safely tucked away on the top of the fridge. She has a photocopy of it in her purse. Not legal but much safer. Sort of like the oposite Fully automatic asault weapons. Legal but not safe. Hey I have a gun theme going on today :-)

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Lets hope she is never involved in an Police Stop as I was.... I was asked for my status by the officer and I told him I am a greencard holder.... he then asked to see it.... I had it in my wallet so no problem.... I did ask what would have happened if I had not had it with me and I was told I could have been taken in to custody until my status could be verified... now I dont know if they would have done that but I will never take that chance....

Kezzie

[Veiled Princess 1]

Lets hope she is never involved in an Police Stop as I was.... I was asked for my status by the officer and I told him I am a greencard holder.... he then asked to see it.... I had it in my wallet so no problem.... I did ask what would have happened if I had not had it with me and I was told I could have been taken in to custody until my status could be verified... now I dont know if they would have done that but I will never take that chance....

Kezzie

Absolutely something to keep in mind... there was a sting at a gas station in one of the southern states somewhat recently and had she been there and didn't have it on her she would have been detained.

[cmartyn 0]

Im just saying, Its a calculated risk.. like anything else. Since my wife is white and speaks fluent English, she wouldnt normally be asked such a question. Heck, they wanted to register her to vote.

Edited October 22, 2006 by cmartyn

[samantha_lou 0]

I keep mine in my wallet, which is always with me - although the thought of now losing my wallet is a little more worrying bearing that in mind!

[de_sjiem 0]

I was told at my greencard interview that I had to keep my greencard on me at all times, and that it could be a $500 fine if I didn't.. So, I carry mine with me.. just dont lose your wallet and you will be fine...

[Veiled Princess 1]

and that it could be a $500 fine if I didn't..

Good enouch reason right there to carry it I think... that's a lot of money!

[Flames9_RN 358]

I usually have it with me, but not always. Stopped by the police a few times and being a white dude from Canada, I look pretty much liek ur every day white male usa dude, thus they never ask about my status. Should one have it on ur possesion, guess so, but if ya loose it, its pricey to replace, I'm not oo worried, maybe if I didnt speak English that well, I would be a bit more concerned

Edited October 22, 2006 by flames9

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Well I am a white female so could pass for american until I open my mouth and my Scottish accent comes out....

Kezzie