Is it bad to "show" your Green Card?

[FGr 12]

Today, I was in line at a bus terminal.

While waiting to board the bus, I took out of my purse my bus ticket and my green card as a proof of identification (my ticket was booked under my married name and my State ID still has my maiden name on it so my GC (+ EAD) is my only form of identification with my new name.

A girl (early-mid 20s) came to me and said "You shouldn't show your green card in front of everyone!"

I was kind of surprised because 1) It was none of her business and 2) I was not "showing" it at all, I was holding it with my ticket ready to show it to the bus agent.

So is there anything wrong with using a Green Card as a proof of ID?

I will soon get a new ID with my married name so I won't use the GC anyway.

[amyno 2]

I don't think there's anything wrong with using your green card to show identity. I believe the reason the girl did it because she's afraid you may lost it somehow, in that case it'll be a big problem. She doesn't know your situation so may be it's just a friendly reminder. Btw, congrats on receiving your green card!

[Pitaya 2,577]

It is a bit of a two-edged sword. There are situations where you may be asked to show your Green Card for identification purposes, likely not very often. Maybe, she didn't want you to lose it. Now, another side of the sword. However, it is kind of weird but in this country there has often been a condescending tone given to the newest immigrants, by the previously new group of immigrants, or the descendants of the last group of immigrants. Sometimes that tone can even get quite hostile. I personally don't understand the basis for this behavior, the majority of Americans immigrated from somewhere else.

The great inscription on the base of that wonderful statue (that was a gift from the people of your country) that stands in NY Harbor was intended for all immigrants, is still very much applicable today as in yesteryear.

Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!

Congratulations on obtaining your US Legal Permanent Residence!

~Moved from WST-based AOS to Moving to the US and Your New Life in America Forum~

~Similar topics are often discussed at this forum~

Edited January 29, 2016 by Pitaya

[NikLR 13,228]

I think before this version of the green card, the old one was easier to steal and duplicate. While I don't see anything necessarily wrong with showing your green card, it's expensive so it's better to use state ID than a green card as your ID. I can replace my driver's license for $50... Green card, $450.

[jam2016 10]

If you have your state issued ID or DL, there is no need to carry EAD or SSN card or GC for your everyday life. It's absolutely not necessary to have SSN, EAD or GC in your wallet / purse. You'll regret if you lose it.

You only need to carry GC if you are boarding a plane or something more important as getting a loan.

Showing your GC as a proof of ID while waiting to get your ID or DL, it's definitely OK. There is nothing wrong with that except don't lose it. Use the paper pouch that comes with the card to shield from RFID readers from the crowd. Or use an Alunimum wallet to provide a better security from RFID readers from the crowd.

Anyone who gives you a condescending tone for showing your GC due to your immigration status, tell them you work and pays taxes and you are legally allowed by the Federal Government in this soil. If he/she doesn't like the fact, tell them to petition to the Government.

[JFH 12,190]

Me being me I'd be tempted to ask such people where *they* originally came from. Most Americans came from somewhere overseas. And they can't have it both ways. On the one hand you've got the "I'm an eighth Welsh, quarter Italian, a sixteenth Russian, half German and a quarter French" brigade (my husband used to belong to this club till I asked him to speak the languages of these places he claims to be from and to give me an important fact about each one) - some of them even seem to be scared to call themselves Americans. On the other hand you have the animosity towards immigrants.

But it may be just a friendly warning that you could easily lose your GC if you keep carrying it about the city and you travel by public transportation. Maybe she herself was pick pocketed?

[DaisyD 12]

If you have your state issued ID or DL, there is no need to carry EAD or SSN card or GC for your everyday life. It's absolutely not necessary to have SSN, EAD or GC in your wallet / purse. You'll regret if you lose it.

You only need to carry GC if you are boarding a plane or something more important as getting a loan.

Showing your GC as a proof of ID while waiting to get your ID or DL, it's definitely OK. There is nothing wrong with that except don't lose it. Use the paper pouch that comes with the card to shield from RFID readers from the crowd. Or use an Alunimum wallet to provide a better security from RFID readers from the crowd.

Anyone who gives you a condescending tone for showing your GC due to your immigration status, tell them you work and pays taxes and you are legally allowed by the Federal Government in this soil. If he/she doesn't like the fact, tell them to petition to the Government.

It is a legal requirement to carry your green card with you at all times when in the US. Sure, most of the time you should not need it, especially if you have other ID, but when you do not have it you are liable to a fine and/or time served in jail.

[Darnell 8,478]

perhaps this human was worried about the illegal aliens there? I mention this, 'cause it's a big deal to steal a green card then sell it.

[Hypnos 6,577]

If you have your state issued ID or DL, there is no need to carry EAD or SSN card or GC for your everyday life.

As stated, federal law requires you to do so.

[Expat1 971]

As stated, federal law requires you to do so.

LOL So?

My wife never carries her green card. There's a market for them that you wouldnt believe.

Problems with that can be directed to the correct number, start with 911 and work from there.

perhaps this human was worried about the illegal aliens there? I mention this, 'cause it's a big deal to steal a green card then sell it.

I suspect that is exactly the reason for the advice

[Hypnos 6,577]

I'm not disagreeing with you, I'm just saying the law requires you to do so. What you individually choose to do is entirely up to you.

It is against the ToS of these forums to advocate illegal activity though, which that would constitute.

Edited January 30, 2016 by Hypnos

[Pitaya 2,577]

If you have your state issued ID or DL, there is no need to carry EAD or SSN card or GC for your everyday life. It's absolutely not necessary to have SSN, EAD or GC in your wallet / purse. You'll regret if you lose it.

You only need to carry GC if you are boarding a plane or something more important as getting a loan.

Showing your GC as a proof of ID while waiting to get your ID or DL, it's definitely OK. There is nothing wrong with that except don't lose it. Use the paper pouch that comes with the card to shield from RFID readers from the crowd. Or use an Alunimum wallet to provide a better security from RFID readers from the crowd.

Anyone who gives you a condescending tone for showing your GC due to your immigration status, tell them you work and pays taxes and you are legally allowed by the Federal Government in this soil. If he/she doesn't like the fact, tell them to petition to the Government.

Technically, you are incorrect.

A green card is issued to all permanent residents as proof that they are authorized to live and work in the United States. If you are a permanent resident age 18 or older, you are required to have a valid green card in your possession at all times.

REF: http://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted

[Sukie 1,464]

"A green card is issued to all permanent residents as proof that they are authorized to live and work in the United States. If you are a permanent resident age 18 or older, you are required to have a valid green card in your possession at all times."

I think the interpretation of "in your possession" is the critical part of this statement. Does it mean you have it in your fire-proof safe in your home? You possess it - it's just not ON you at the moment. The rule does not say "you must have a valid green card ON YOUR PERSON at all times".

When I lived in Hong Kong, I had to carry my Hong Kong ID card ON MY PERSON at all times when I was not in my apartment. Police would randomly stop people on the street and ask to see their IDs. Now...I'm a middle-aged Caucasian female, and I was never stopped. Police were definitely profiling and asking Asian men who did not look like they "fit" in Hong Kong (not dressed like a Hong Kong resident) for their IDs.

You could have a law enforcement officer interpret the law as ON YOUR PERSON and get into trouble. Or you could say "it's at home" and get away with it.

If you do NOT have a State ID (driver's license or ID), then carry your Green Card until you get one. Then be sure to keep it safe!

Sukie in NY

Edited January 30, 2016 by Sukie

[QueenComley 295]

When I was issued my 2 year conditional green card I was told that it was a legal requirement for me to carry it on me at all times. I don't know if it differs state to state.

[Darnell 8,478]

i'm a fan of making a color photocopy of it, laminating the copy, and carrying the copy.

then when a cop wants to see the original, you say:

1. hey ! look me up in the save database back at the dispatchers office, NOW ! and

2. come to my home, i'll show you the original.