U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) has issued a firm reminder to all lawful permanent residents: always carry proof of your immigration status. This directive is based on Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which classifies failure to possess valid alien registration documents as a federal misdemeanor. Individuals 18 and older are legally obligated to carry their alien registration card or certificate at all times.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), USCBP stated that not having this documentation when approached by federal authorities could result in misdemeanor charges and fines. The directive follows increased immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration, which continues to target undocumented individuals for deportation. However, this crackdown has also impacted many with valid visas and green cards, some of whom have been mistakenly detained in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has also reiterated that failing to meet legal documentation requirements could jeopardize a person’s immigration status or even lead to removal from the country. Their official website emphasizes that all lawful residents must comply with these rules to avoid penalties or complications during legal proceedings.
Despite these strict rules, immigration lawyers remind green card holders that while they must carry documents, they are not required to answer questions without legal representation. The right to remain silent and request an attorney still applies.
In a separate move, USCIS has announced a significant policy change: a new $1,050 filing fee for applications that were previously free when submitted in immigration court. This fee now applies to critical forms such as Form I-131 for travel documents and Form I-765 for work permits. This financial burden adds new challenges for immigrants navigating complex legal processes while trying to maintain lawful status in the United States.
