Do you carry your greencard?
#1
Do you carry your greencard?
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
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
#2
Re: Do you carry your greencard?
Originally Posted by 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
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
My alien husband DOES carry his in his wallet at all times.
Best Wishes,
Rene
#3
Homebody
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: HOME
Posts: 23,179
Re: Do you carry your greencard?
Originally Posted by Minty
As a new greencard holder, I was wondering if you always carry your greencard with you, and if not, why not?
Minty
Minty
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.
#5
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Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: Do you carry your greencard?
Originally Posted by Minty
As a new greencard holder, I was wondering if you always carry your greencard with you, and if not, why not?
Ian
#6
Re: Do you carry your greencard?
Originally Posted by 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
Ian
#7
Re: Do you carry your greencard?
Originally Posted by Minty
Interesting so far. Two carry their greencards and two do not!
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.
#8
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 16,266
Re: Do you carry your greencard?
Originally Posted by 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
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
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?
#9
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Joined: Feb 2004
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Posts: 1,516
Re: Do you carry your greencard?
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.
#10
Re: Do you carry your greencard?
Originally Posted by 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?
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?
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!)
#11
Re: Do you carry your greencard?
Originally Posted by 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].
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].
Rene
#13
Re: Do you carry your greencard?
Originally Posted by meauxna
For Minty: my alien has carried his card every day since he got it; over 3 years now.
#14
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Do you carry your greencard?
Originally Posted by gruffbrown
You are so romantic.....
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.
#15
Re: Do you carry your greencard?
Originally Posted by Boiler
I find it difficult to believe that those who say that they carry it, always do so.
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...