US Warns Green Card Holders To Carry Proof At All Times Amid Deportation Push

Photo:U.S. Customs and Border Protection/James Tourtellotte

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a public reminder to lawful permanent residents to always carry proof of their immigration status, citing federal law that requires noncitizens to present documentation when stopped by federal authorities.

“Always carry your alien registration documentation. Not having these when stopped by federal law enforcement can lead to a misdemeanor and fines,” CBP posted on X.

It reiterated the requirement in another X post: “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. Failing to do so can lead to a misdemeanor and fines if you are stopped by federal law enforcement.”

Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which makes failure to carry valid registration documents a federal misdemeanor.

The warning comes as President Donald Trump escalates his administration’s efforts to remove millions of undocumented immigrants. The White House has repeatedly stated that anyone living in the country without legal status is considered a criminal and subject to deportation.

But the impact of enforcement efforts has extended beyond undocumented individuals with dozens of green card holders and visa applicants getting caught up in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. These detentions have raised concerns among immigration advocates about due process and civil rights, especially as some lawful residents were detained despite having valid documentation.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that lawful permanent residents who fail to carry proof of status risk not only fines but also possible removal from the country. “Failure to comply with legal requirements may affect your immigration status,” USCIS states on its website.

Legal experts note that while noncitizens must carry documentation, they are not required to answer questions without a lawyer present. Green card holders retain the right to remain silent and request legal counsel if detained.

USCIS has also recently introduced a new $1,050 fee for certain applications that were previously free when filed in immigration court. The fee applies to Form I-131, used for travel documents such as advance parole, and Form I-765, the application for work authorization. The change imposes a steep new cost on individuals seeking lawful permanent residence while facing immigration proceedings.