My wife just got her "green card"

[Shirezu 5]

If you want to carry it, carry it. I disagree with your analysis of what "possession" means but people SHOULD be aware that the whole possession thing you quoted exists, and make their decisions accordingly.

The actual wording as per the Immigration and Nationality Act, section 264(e):

(e) 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 or alien registration receipt card issued to him pursuant to subsection (d). Any alien who fails to comply with the provisions of this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall upon conviction for each offense be fined not to exceed $100 or be imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.

"Carry with him and have in his personal possession." To me that sounds exactly like you must have it with you at all times. Note that a copy is not considered valid. I'm not saying that is likely you will ever have this issue come up but it is possible.

Edited December 9, 2012 by Shirezu

[scotinmass 588]

I'm not saying that is likely you will ever have this issue come up but it is possible.

I'll take my chances just like I take my chances when I drive at 70mph in a 65 zone and I've never got into trouble for that either.

[Operator 1,927]

Five times out of six it was just "click"...that sixth one...what a mess.

[scotinmass 588]

Five times out of six it was just "click"...that sixth one...what a mess.

That's what makes life interesting.

[Ryan H 3,818]

Moved from Adjustment of Status from Family Based Visas forum to General Immigration-Related Discussion.

[mattene 13]

well doing something illegal may well go against the terms of your being 'granted a green card', its how there things are interpreted by the officer adjudicating isnt it? ie, not very likely...but it 'could' happen.

thanks shirezu for quoting the whole paragraph - its proved to people it does mean carry it, like ive said.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

The actual wording as per the Immigration and Nationality Act, section 264(e):

"Carry with him and have in his personal possession." To me that sounds exactly like you must have it with you at all times. Note that a copy is not considered valid. I'm not saying that is likely you will ever have this issue come up but it is possible.

It doesn't say a copy isn't valid, that's just your interpretation. But thank you for providing the proper wording for everyone else reading. "Matene" stated you were putting your whole USA life at risk, a misdemeanor, and a fine "not to exceed $100" is hardly putting your USA life at risk.

In fact, reading that where it says "certificate of alien registration" you could be forgiven for thinking that that refers to your approval letter that states you are registered as an LPR.

Ultimately yes, the wording states that you will be committing a misdemeanor for not carrying it in your personal possession but it is each individuals personal choice whether to do that or not, knowing the risks. Both myself, and scotinmass (and many other people) do not, and have not, carried their greencards for their entire LPR history for reasons which we have explained. But we know the risks. We are not advising other people to do the same (or at least I'm not) but I don't have $455 laying around or the 6 months time to wait for a replacement card, or the time to travel 3 hours (one way) to my "local office" to get the I-551 stamp. I choose not to carry the actual card. This is my choice and I do so knowing the risks, just as you carry yours knowing the risks.

well doing something illegal may well go against the terms of your being 'granted a green card', its how there things are interpreted by the officer adjudicating isnt it? ie, not very likely...but it 'could' happen.

thanks shirezu for quoting the whole paragraph - its proved to people it does mean carry it, like ive said.

No it doesn't go against the terms of your greencard which will affect status. You obviously don't know what crimes affect status. A misdemeanor does not affect status (some might, like domestic, but a misdemeanor of this sort doesn't). Not carrying the card is not something that will affect your status. It could NOT happen.

Edited December 9, 2012 by Vanessa&Tony

[scotinmass 588]

I'm going to Scotland for Christmas. If I carried my Green Card with me at all times and somehow lost it or had my wallet stolen I would not be able to go. I would lose all the money I've spent on the trip plus miss out on seeing my son and my family for the first time in 9 months. I'd have to jump through hoops again and spend hundreds more and wait for months getting a replacement green card.

I feel much safer leaving it in the safe and risking a $100 fine. And I think I have more chance of winning the lottery than getting fined.

[Darnell 8,478]

I told my wife sorry, I think you just were welcomed into the USSA... ???

That's sufficient, really.

Yer Done.

I'm sure she can appreciate the extra care and attention the USA government is doing, on your behalf, yes?

I know I do !

[ilFarinello 0]

Incidentally, can anyone tell me what documents I need to bring to get my wife a social security card? Do we just bring the green card?

[Hypnos 6,577]

(1) A completed SS-5 application.

(2) Her green card (the original).

(3) A certified copy of her birth certificate (you may or may not be asked for this, some people are, some aren't; I was).

Edited December 11, 2012 by Hypnos

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Unless (1) the holder is traveling internationally or (2) on the way to the USCIS or (3) traveling where CBP has control stations, the Green Card belongs into the safe or the safest place the person has access to. For all those who point out that a law abiding Green Card holder of course carries their Green Card with them at all times, as the law requires, tell me where you carry them when taking a shower and were a gay man having sex with another gay man would carry it if he doesn't want to have it dangling on a chain around his neck.

Exactly. So put the Green Card away as nobody will ever, ask for it. I have NEVER been asked for my Green Card outside scenario (1+2) and in 20+ years I have NEVER been asked to show my SS card. In fact, had I not changed my name when becoming a US citizen, I would still have my old SS card from 1991 that read "not valid for employment."

[Hypnos 6,577]

That's a silly argument to make. If you don't want to carry your green card around - contrary to the law - that's your business, but don't try to say that that isn't what the law requires, because it clearly does.

[Shirezu 5]

Unless (1) the holder is traveling internationally or (2) on the way to the USCIS or (3) traveling where CBP has control stations, the Green Card belongs into the safe or the safest place the person has access to. For all those who point out that a law abiding Green Card holder of course carries their Green Card with them at all times, as the law requires, tell me where you carry them when taking a shower and were a gay man having sex with another gay man would carry it if he doesn't want to have it dangling on a chain around his neck.

Uh the same place you'd put your credit card and license during those occasions. Unless you shower with your drivers license. Seriously that has to be the stupidest argument I've ever heard.

And within only a few weeks of having it I've needed my social security card already. My apartment complex required it to put me on the lease. As I am only new to the US I have no credit history so they needed to view my social security card. Also to get a drivers license a social security card (not just number) is one of the preferred identification methods. But social security card is a whole different thing to green card. Social security cards are not meant to be carried at all. It says on the documentation to leave it in a safe place and only provide it when required. Unlike the green card law which requires it to be carried at all times. Just like a drivers license. Or are people here just that thick that you can't understand it?

[mattene 13]

^^^ what shirezu says ^^^

you people arguing the toss are really not taking the green card privilege (because that's what it is) seriously. citizens are obliged to carry their license at ALL times while driving..so there's an i.d they have to carry right there.

for those who think a simple misdemeanor cannot put their u.s life at risk, you should really re-read your welcome to america letter. you'll see pretty much anything, no matter how inconsequential you may think it is, can be used against you and your status. i prefer to do things by the book, that way minimizing the risks in life. Thanks