Minty

I was chatting with another expat last night and the subject of carrying greencards came up. I recently received mine (about 2 months ago) and the accompanying letter said that it should be carried at all times ... so I do!

My friend said that he never carries his greencardas he uses his drivers license if he needs ID. Also he said that Greencards are like gold dust and that if "people" know you are carrying one they might be tempted to take it.

As a new greencard holder, I was wondering if you always carry your greencard with you, and if not, why not?

Minty

Noorah101

Hi Minty,

My alien husband DOES carry his in his wallet at all times.

Best Wishes,
Rene

Elvira

OMG I wouldn't dream of carrying the original - only a photocopy!

Yes, I know we're supposed to carry them, but the trouble resulting from losing it or having it stolen would be just too much.

Have lived here nearly five years and have never been asked for it except at POE.

sal_whit

Hi Minty

My Daughter and I carry our GC's at all times too.

Sal

ian-mstm

I believe there is a law to the effect that you must have the card with you at all times. Some people have interpreted this to mean that they should physically have it with them, while others interpret this to mean a photocopy. That said, I carried mine only when I was on a trip outside the US... I never once carried it otherwise. Why? Well... let's just say that I look a lot like the locals and talk like 'em, too!

Ian

Minty

Interesting so far. Two carry their greencards and two do not!

Rete

My husband carried his with him for all of the three years that he had it. Never left home without it. The regulations says to carry it, he did.

Folinskyinla

Hi:

The law REQUIRES you to carry the orginal. I recommend you make a photocopy to keep at home. You may want to apply for a "re-entry permit" via form I-131. It is green card in booklet form and its valid for two years [or expiry of condition].

One of these days, I might tell you the story of an IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY who was an LPR and carried a copy rather than the original. It is amusing, but shall we say that I personally observed a reason to carry the damn original?

andrea874

I carry mine in my wallet. With that said, I rarely have my wallet with me if I'm just doing my day to day routine.

meauxna

For Minty: my alien has carried his card every day since he got it; over 3 years now.

MrF: I recall someone posting the argument that it's a moot point because the Fourth Amendment protects the alien from being forced to produce the card (without cause, anyway). I can see from your annecdote that that might not be true, but am curious for your comment (and the story!)

Noorah101

So does this mean that a PR traveling via the re-entry permit does NOT need to take the plastic green card along on the overseas trip?

Rene

Ray

Never been out of the envelope since it arrived ....

gruffbrown

You are so romantic.....

scrubbedexpat099

Following the last time this came up, I have a photocopy in my wallet.

I find it difficult to believe that those who say that they carry it, always do so.

I usually have my DL with me, but not always.

Ditto CC's.

As has been said the chance of losing it is higher than having an issue showing it, and so are the financial consequences.

nettlebed

Not wishing to be an argumentative son of a seacook, but why do you find it difficult? Whenever I leave the house I always take mine with me, unless I am just popping out to the car (on my property, and hence -- in theory -- protected by the 4th). Even if I am going to the mailbox (off my property) I always carry it.

Not producing it when required is (IIRC) a misdemeanor punishable by a $1000 fine, plus maybe some other penalty.

However, I also believe that only persons duly authorised by the USCIS are able to demand its production, not Roscoe P. Coltrane/Cletus, etc...