Help! I lost my green card

[Going through 5,671]

I always wondered this....I'm not arguing the law, and I also carry my GC with me, too...

But I've always wondered---USC are not required to carry anything with them to identify their legal status in the United States...so let's say two people get picked up by ICE based purely on "looking foreign" or whatever, and questioned---one shows a valid green card to prove their legal status.  But what is the USC supposed to show on the spot to prevent detainment ?? 

 

I wondered this, when I saw ICE on the streets of NY recently in one of our  more ethnic neighborhoods.

 

As far as I know, there's no sort of ID a USC carries around with them at all times that proves they were born here/legally resides here.  

Edited August 28, 2017 by Going through

[Murph4865 597]

38 minutes ago, Going through said:

I always wondered this....I'm not arguing the law, and I also carry my GC with me, too...

But I've always wondered---USC are not required to carry anything with them to identify their legal status in the United States...so let's say two people get picked up by ICE based purely on "looking foreign" or whatever, and questioned---one shows a valid green card to prove their legal status.  But what is the USC supposed to show on the spot to prevent detainment ?? 

 

I wondered this, when I saw ICE on the streets of NY recently in one of our  more ethnic neighborhoods.

 

As far as I know, there's no sort of ID a USC carries around with them at all times that proves they were born here/legally resides here.  

A Usc normally carries is or her wallet with them all the time with ss and dl in it for identification purposes

[Boiler 45,486]

21 minutes ago, Murph4865 said:

A Usc normally carries is or her wallet with them all the time with ss and dl in it for identification purposes

I know nobody who carries a SS and not everybody had DL.

 

Also wondered how people carry a GC if they are say swimming.

[Going through 5,671]

29 minutes ago, Murph4865 said:

A Usc normally carries is or her wallet with them all the time with ss and dl in it for identification purposes

Right...but a SS card and DL doesn't determine legal status in the US, it determines identification only.  And many USC don't have a drivers licence.  Many foreigners have a US drivers licence and a SS card---doesn't mean they are a US citizen, as you don't need to be a citizen to obtain one.

 

I have United States ID that determines my identity...but yet as a LPR, I'm required to carry my greencard to prove my legal status within the country.  My question is what would a USC carry to determine THEIR legal status within the country if requested?  Because I would imagine there are thousands upon thousands of United States citizens (either born in the country or naturalized citizens) that "still look foreign" to others.

Edited August 28, 2017 by Going through

[Murph4865 597]

3 minutes ago, Going through said:

Right...but a SS card and DL doesn't determine legal status in the US, it determines identification only.  And many USC don't have a drivers licence.

 

I have United States ID that determines my identity...but yet as a LPR, I'm required to carry my greencard to prove my legal status within the country.  My question is what would a USC carry to determine THEIR legal status within the country if requested?

As for me when i went across mexican border a month ago i forgot my passport but when i handed them my DL they run in system and automaticaly seen i had a passport even though i did not have it on me at the time. U give birthdate and name it will come up with a picture of you and your info here in the states everything is tied together for u nationwide.

[Going through 5,671]

15 minutes ago, Boiler said:

I know nobody who carries a SS

If I remember correctly, it even states on the top tear off portion of the SS cards to NOT carry it with you...

Edited August 28, 2017 by Going through

[LionessDeon 2,060]

I the USC never carry my SS card with me ever.  

 

This debate of should my LPR husband carry his greencard or not was something we talked about for a few weeks.  I had even made a post here awhile back about it to see what others did.  I did some research and found that if one does not have it on their person, law enforcement usually will allow for time to show proof of LPR once arrested. if necessary.  Weighing in issues like what happened with the OP, we decided that he would not carry it.

I made a color photo copy of it that he carries in his wallet and if needed he can produce the actual card.  May not be the most "legal" but less of a risk in my eyes than of possible $400 replacement with the long wait.

[iamwhatiam80 92]

2 hours ago, Going through said:

Right...but a SS card and DL doesn't determine legal status in the US, it determines identification only.  And many USC don't have a drivers licence.  Many foreigners have a US drivers licence and a SS card---doesn't mean they are a US citizen, as you don't need to be a citizen to obtain one.

 

I have United States ID that determines my identity...but yet as a LPR, I'm required to carry my greencard to prove my legal status within the country.  My question is what would a USC carry to determine THEIR legal status within the country if requested?  Because I would imagine there are thousands upon thousands of United States citizens (either born in the country or naturalized citizens) that "still look foreign" to others.

In New York state and some other states, you can get a enhanced drivers license that is given ONLY to US citizens. I believe this serves as a ID and Citizenship status document at the same time. Its normally used at land and sea borders but not valid for Air travel.

[dwheels76 5,468]

3 hours ago, Going through said:

I always wondered this....I'm not arguing the law, and I also carry my GC with me, too...

But I've always wondered---USC are not required to carry anything with them to identify their legal status in the United States...so let's say two people get picked up by ICE based purely on "looking foreign" or whatever, and questioned---one shows a valid green card to prove their legal status.  But what is the USC supposed to show on the spot to prevent detainment ?? 

 

I wondered this, when I saw ICE on the streets of NY recently in one of our  more ethnic neighborhoods.

 

As far as I know, there's no sort of ID a USC carries around with them at all times that proves they were born here/legally resides here.  

I carry my passport always have. My dad said always be prepared(Military). Mu husband I told him soon as you show this to your employer this goes in the safe. He has drivers license, SS card. He has only needed to pull out fr his new job CDL license. 
I know too many people like the OP lost green card and they never got replacement. The removal of conditions or citizenship came way before that. It's like replacement cards must be the last thing they care about.

[MaleAlpha 314]

5 hours ago, Hypnos said:

The law is the law. 

 

I try not to commit federal crimes if I can possibly avoid it. 

I have never carried mine (except when travelling through an airport etc.) and never been asked for it.

Not advocating that everyone do same but it's easier for me to deal with the consequence of not carrying it on me if needed (which according to the law is a fine) than losing it entirely - I don't have the time/energy to go through that stress.

 

Besides, I am yet to come across 1 person who had an issue not carrying it. Let me know when you find that person.

 

[MaleAlpha 314]

5 hours ago, Murph4865 said:

A Usc normally carries is or her wallet with them all the time with ss and dl in it for identification purposes

You are probably the only one who carries an SS card. It's not even safe and not recommended.

If you look on the paper the SS card is attached to, it says keep it in a safe place!

[Hypnos 6,576]

1 hour ago, MaleAlpha said:

it's easier for me to deal with the consequence of not carrying it on me if needed (which according to the law is a fine)

It's a fine and/or up to 30 days in federal prison. 

[Hypnos 6,576]

5 hours ago, Boiler said:

Also wondered how people carry a GC if they are say swimming.

I can think of one place. It would also act as a fin there for better speed in the water. 

[Boiler 45,486]

1 hour ago, Hypnos said:

It's a fine and/or up to 30 days in federal prison. 

So losing the Card should automatically result in such a punishment?

[xyz12345 260]

Years ago, after I drove away from Big Bend National Park in Texas, I was shocked to learn of an immigration checkpoint close by. Didn't have immigration papers with me at that time but they just asked for my driver's license, looked at my file online, asked to check my car and let me go. (And I  returned as fast as I can to Florida ).

 

I think your demeanor helps in these kinds of circumstances. If you look like you have nothing to hide, you'll have an easier time. IMHO.