scrubbedexpat097

This was a border patrol a long way from the Texas Mexico border as well, so you never know..

Jerseygirl

When I said border town...I meant border state.

TimNiceBut

... or travel in Arizona. Especially when you're guilty of the offence of driving while looking Latino.

ian-mstm

Are you sure? I know you are required to carry "proof of status" but that doesn't necessarily mean carrying the original. Perhaps you could post a link to your info.

Ian

Ray

The Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, (Green Card) is issued to all Permanent Residents as evidence of alien registration and their permanent status in the US. The card must be in your possession at all times. This requirement means that you are not only required to have a currently valid Form I-551 at all times, but also that you must carry your currently valid Form I-551 on your person at all times. The Permanent Resident Card currently is issued with a 10-year validity. You status as a Permanent Resident does not expire with the 10-year validity. Only the card expires. The card is only valid up to the expiration date and must be renewed before it expires.

meauxna

Has someone kidnapped the original Ian?

ian-mstm

Yah, I know all that. I wanted the OP to post a link!

As an aside, I never once carried my GC. Of course, I made a concerted effort to sound "local", so my immigration status never came up even when stopped 3 times for speeding. Y'all have a good night!

Ian

cranners99

M-618 page 9
http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/M-618.pdf

Duncan Roberts

I carried my greencard in my wallet from the day I got it to the day I turned it in, didn't cost me anything. While your greencard may or may not have been loose, you did lose it (having it stolen is still losing it) so it only costs something when you have to replace it. If you're that angry about it, claim on your insurance.

discoviking

Not even when crossing a US border? How did you pull that one off? Oh, I get it - your wife kept it in her purse, so SHE carried it for you......... Sorry Ian, I could not resist.....

Seriously , I only carried mine at all times for a year or so, too. Eventually I realized that I do not belong to a demographic group commonly suspected of not being in status, and put it in my safety deposit box for safe keeping. I would only carry it when traveling abroad, close to a border or when starting a new job. I was never once stopped randomly and asked to produce it in my 24 or so years as an LPR.

Mileage may vary, of course.

Out of curiosity, has anyone heard of someone actually being fined for not carrying their greencard?

lisa67

Hmmmm....so this thread has got me thinking. After a wait of many years
I now have my GC and, at the moment, carry it around with me. Living in Texas, although not near the border, I have heard of at least one of my friends being reprimanded for not carrying her visa and being questioned by police for just under an hour
Then I remembered that in TX, if you have a visa then this is reflected on your driving license with the words "temporary visitor" and the date your status expires. If you are a USC or LPR then you have a full license.
Sooooo....if I decide not to carry my GC would I be able to prove that I'm here legitimately by showing my DL? I would guess it would depend on the circumstances

scrubbedexpat099

I believe Crg has a man purse, solves both problems.

I live in Colorado and I have never heard of any demographic group having their status checked.

The only time I have ever heard it happen is where somebody is already in custody, in which case you already have major problems, or when they do a show raid on a business that has a know issue in this area.

scrubbedexpat097

That's what we thought but there are numerous check points all over Texas and if they are stopping everyone and asking if you are a US citizen and you say no then just having a DL with you is not sufficent....as we found out

Derrygal

Just wondering - are you still a PR or did you get your US citizenship? I have had a Green Card for 19 years - I am the last one in my family here who has not gotten citizenship. I intend to apply soon.

discoviking

USC since 2008.