Anyone know about passport "possesion" policy?

[JenT 0]

US citizens aren't required to carry ID, unless they're doing something that would require it (driving a car, carrying a firearm, etc.). Carrying ID is often a good idea, of course, but it's not legally required.

Noncitizens are required to carry evidence of their status at all times. That's in INA 264(e). It may not be enforced often, but it says 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.

That's translated into layman's English and explained in more detail here.

Oh, and BTW, it's illegal for a non-citizen to claim US citizenship. So if caught without ID, it's probably better for an alien to confess his alien status and be guilty of a misdemeanor than to falsely claim citizenship and be forever barred from naturalization.

Good info - thanks!!