Should you carry proof on you

[John & Annie 0]

A while back there was a discussion about if you need to carry proof of legal entry while in the US. I emailed them and finally received a response.

My Question:

Customer 02/16/2007 07:30 PM

does a non-US citizen need to keep proof of their legal entry or status on there person, or be able to prove this within a reasonable amount of time While in the US?

The response:

Response (Christie) 03/08/2007 11:43 AM

Yes.

[Mononoke28 135]

Wow, it took them 3 whole weeks to reply "Yes"?

Here is the thing, a few years back my sister's purse was stolen and she had her green card in it. She then had to apply to have it replaced, pay more money for it and then they told her that she shouldn't carry it with her. If she needs proof of residency, then she can just give out her A# to the person who needs it. But I wouldn't carry it around like a driver's license, just like people shouldn't carry their SS card with them either.

[John & Annie 0]

Wow, it took them 3 whole weeks to reply "Yes"?

Here is the thing, a few years back my sister's purse was stolen and she had her green card in it. She then had to apply to have it replaced, pay more money for it and then they told her that she shouldn't carry it with her. If she needs proof of residency, then she can just give out her A# to the person who needs it. But I wouldn't carry it around like a driver's license, just like people shouldn't carry their SS card with them either.

It is actually a misdemeanor to not carry the 'green card'

[notrepetiteashley 0]

A few years ago a Canadian coming to the US wouldn't necessarily be able to prove they came in legally, because they didn't require passports. This is what happened to my husband. So when our AOS interview came around, the officer was like, "how do I know you came in legally?" We swore he did! See, I thought that in their computer systems they had all the info from the POEs! He said, "no we don't have that." Grr. But we got approved anyway (clearly).

Jay does carry his green card with him. I had no idea it was a misdemeanor not to, though. Wow.

[John & Annie 0]

I did ask about being able to prove this and the response was one in the same.

We understand the issue with losing it, we have the same fear.

If you do not want to carry the card, i would recommend a color copy and the ability to produce it if needed.

[together2love 0]

Here is the last that this subject was talked about. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...56724&st=15 Interesting response through from the email you received back.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Would a Police officer accept a color copy of your driving licence???? no I dont think they would.... so why do you think that a ICE officer or USCIS officer would accept a copy of your Greencard...

It clearly says that your card should be on you person at all times...

Kez

[Dr_LHA 3]

Response (Christie) 03/08/2007 11:43 AM

Yes.

Are you surprised by this? The law is pretty clear.

[WifeOHunkyJohn 2]

Response (Christie) 03/08/2007 11:43 AM

Yes.

Are you surprised by this? The law is pretty clear.

No we are not surprised - though three weeks for a simple "yes" is pretty slow, personally. We have read in other threads that there is a bit of uncertainty about what people need to do while their green card is pending. The law is pretty clear about carrying the green card at all times (someone linked to my post where I quoted the USCIS rules) but this also clarifies from an official source that you need to carry proof of legal entry while in the US - even though the UK Passport office via their phone line advise British tourists abroad that they do NOT carry their passport with them while on vacation but copies, just in case something happens to it.

Annie

[Dr_LHA 3]

No we are not surprised - though three weeks for a simple "yes" is pretty slow, personally. We have read in other threads that there is a bit of uncertainty about what people need to do while their green card is pending. The law is pretty clear about carrying the green card at all times (someone linked to my post where I quoted the USCIS rules) but this also clarifies from an official source that you need to carry proof of legal entry while in the US - even though the UK Passport office via their phone line advise British tourists abroad that they do NOT carry their passport with them while on vacation but copies, just in case something happens to it.

Since when did the UK passport office know anything about US immigration laws.

BTW - I once got admonsihed by a CBP officer once for my passport being so beat up. I told him flatly: "Well you do require me to have this on me at all times so what do you expect?" BTW. I was H-1B at the time so was required to carry my passport and Visa stamp at all times, and depending on how you read the law, I probably should have had my NOA on me as well!

[WifeOHunkyJohn 2]

No we are not surprised - though three weeks for a simple "yes" is pretty slow, personally. We have read in other threads that there is a bit of uncertainty about what people need to do while their green card is pending. The law is pretty clear about carrying the green card at all times (someone linked to my post where I quoted the USCIS rules) but this also clarifies from an official source that you need to carry proof of legal entry while in the US - even though the UK Passport office via their phone line advise British tourists abroad that they do NOT carry their passport with them while on vacation but copies, just in case something happens to it.

Since when did the UK passport office know anything about US immigration laws.

BTW - I once got admonsihed by a CBP officer once for my passport being so beat up. I told him flatly: "Well you do require me to have this on me at all times so what do you expect?" BTW. I was H-1B at the time so was required to carry my passport and Visa stamp at all times, and depending on how you read the law, I probably should have had my NOA on me as well!

When we used the AP we took copies of all the AOS info, including the NOA1, as well as the old passport with the visa and so on (got married, got a new passport) but had no worries getting back into the US. I had a peak at the UK passport info page and they recommend leaving copies of your info page of your passport (and copies of any visas) with friends or family when you travel but, interestingly, they don't stipulate that you must carry the passport with you at all times.

Travel Advice by country

Meanwhile, till I got my CA drivers licence, I carried with me copies of the passport, visa page, marriage certificate and NOA1 for the AOS with me to prove I was legally here - as per the instructions of the miss-information line. Now the CA licence is all I need till either it runs out, or I get the green card.

At least my wallet is roomier...

[John & Annie 0]

Response (Christie) 03/08/2007 11:43 AM

Yes.

Are you surprised by this? The law is pretty clear.

I am not surprised at all. I asked the question to clear the debate. This also answers the question for people coming in on the VWP.

Edited March 9, 2007 by John & Annie

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Response (Christie) 03/08/2007 11:43 AM

Yes.

Are you surprised by this? The law is pretty clear.

I am not surprised at all. I asked the question to clear the debate. This also answers the question for people coming in on the VWP.

How so and in regard to what??

Kez

[John & Annie 0]

Response (Christie) 03/08/2007 11:43 AM

Yes.

Are you surprised by this? The law is pretty clear.

I am not surprised at all. I asked the question to clear the debate. This also answers the question for people coming in on the VWP.

How so and in regard to what??

Kez

I do not remember where and when and it was completely unrelated to VJ, but was discussed on VJ, if people here on VWP were required to carry documents to show they were here legally.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Every alien is required to have ID on them for most here on vacation that would be a passport with visa /vwp and I-94....

for someone doing AOS from a VWP then they would have their passport with a I-94W and once recieved the NOA1 for their AOS...

Kez