(UNITED STATES) Green card holders across the country are being reminded that federal law requires them to carry proof of status at all times, a rule that U.S. authorities say they will enforce with fines and possible jail time. As of October 16, 2025, the requirement applies to all non-citizens aged 18 and older who are in the United States. The law covers permanent residents and non-immigrants alike, and it’s drawing fresh attention after enforcement warnings from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The requirement is straightforward: lawful permanent residents must carry their Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551). Non-immigrants—such as students, visitors, and temporary workers—must carry documents that show their current immigration status. Federal statute treats failure to carry these papers as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $100 in fines, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
CBP officials have reiterated the rule this fall, stressing that the documents should be available for inspection if a lawful request is made by an officer.
Why enforcement is getting renewed attention
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the renewed emphasis has less to do with a policy change and more to do with a compliance push that coincides with broader identity rules, including the federal REAL ID rollout. Starting May 7, 2025, travelers who board domestic flights or enter certain federal buildings must show a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or another acceptable ID, such as a U.S. passport or a Permanent Resident Card.
While REAL ID is not the same as immigration status proof, the timing has created confusion for some residents who rely on state IDs and assume that is enough.
What the law requires now
- For permanent residents: carry the actual green card—Form I-551—which is the official document proving lawful permanent resident status.
- Ensure the card is not expired and that biographic details are accurate.
- If lost, stolen, or damaged, file for a replacement promptly using Form I-90 through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- For non-immigrants: carry documents showing current authorized status (examples follow in the next section).
CBP’s message is clear: carry the correct documents, keep them current, and be ready to show them when asked by an authorized officer. Presenting a photocopy can be helpful in emergencies, but a copy does not replace the legal requirement to carry the original where the law calls for it.
Documents that count as proof of status
For Green card holders:
– Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) — the primary document.
– If your card is expired or will expire soon, apply for renewal with Form I-90 on the USCIS website.
– If you have filed for a replacement, carry your I-90 receipt notice and any temporary I-551 stamp issued in your passport while waiting for the new card.
For non-immigrants, acceptable documentation may include:
– A valid, unexpired passport with a current U.S. visa stamp.
– A current Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record showing lawful status and authorized stay; travelers can retrieve and print their latest record via the CBP I-94 portal: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
– For F-1 students: a valid Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility plus proof of current enrollment; see the ICE SEVIS I-20 page: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i-20
– For J-1 exchange visitors: a valid Form DS-2019 with proper signatures
Additional notes:
– Form I-94 is central for many visitors because it lists class of admission and authorized period of stay.
– Many visitors show “D/S” (duration of status), which ties stay to school or program status rather than a fixed date.
REAL ID vs. immigration status documents
- REAL ID rules govern airport security screening and access to certain federal facilities. DHS explains compliant IDs here: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
- A Permanent Resident Card is an acceptable identity document for TSA, but TSA identity checks and immigration status checks are different processes.
- A REAL ID–compliant state license helps you board a plane; it does not prove immigration status. A green card or I-94 proves lawful presence.
Best practice when traveling:
– Carry both a REAL ID–compliant license or passport for TSA and Form I-551 or other status documents for immigration checks.
Penalties and long-term implications
- Failure to carry required documents is a federal misdemeanor: up to $100 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
- A misdemeanor record—especially combined with other violations—can complicate naturalization or future immigration petitions.
- CBP has noted officers may enforce the requirement beyond border zones when they have lawful cause to request documents.
Carrying proof of status avoids unnecessary delays, fines, and potential criminal records that could affect future immigration benefits.
Practical implications and recommended steps
Everyday effects:
– A permanent resident who forgets their green card at home for a quick errand can still face questions if stopped.
– International students who travel off campus without their I-20 and a printout of their I-94 may face stressful interactions.
Practical steps many immigration lawyers recommend:
1. Carry your Form I-551 if you are a permanent resident. Use a secure wallet; keep a high-quality copy at home as backup.
2. Non-immigrants: keep a recent printout of your latest Form I-94 and carry your passport with the visa stamp.
3. Students: carry your current Form I-20 (and ensure it has valid travel signatures after reentry).
4. If a document is lost or stolen:
– Report to local police and keep the report number.
– Begin replacement immediately (e.g., file Form I-90 for green cards).
– For I-94 issues, use CBP’s traveler help through the I-94 portal.
5. Keep your address current with USCIS using Form AR-11 to avoid missing mailed cards or notices.
Other practical tips:
– If you’ve applied to remove conditions or replace an expired card, a temporary I-551 stamp placed in a valid passport generally serves as proof until the new card arrives. Bring your I-90 receipt and passport to the USCIS field office appointment.
– If you’ve filed for naturalization and your green card expires during the process, keep proof of status current until becoming a citizen.
– Employers must complete Form I-9 at hire and should not request more documents than the law allows; still, workers should keep their own status proof on hand for encounters outside the workplace.
– Schools should remind students to maintain valid I-20 forms and obtain travel signatures.
Registration updates and extra information requests
Non-citizens must also comply with alien registration rules. Agencies have referenced updates to registration processes, including possible use of new biographic information tools for certain individuals.
- Some references mention a G-325R, though USCIS has not posted a public form page for that document.
- Anyone asked for extra registration information should follow official instructions in their notice and consult a qualified attorney if unsure.
Enforcement practice and officers’ advice
CBP has emphasized that having the right document at hand:
– Speeds up screening
– Avoids referrals to secondary inspection
– Reduces needless delays
Federal officers often rely on originals or official records they can verify on the spot. Digital screenshots or phone images can create a false sense of compliance—officials continue to prefer originals or verifiable records.
Where to get official information
People with questions about their specific situation should review official guidance on government websites:
– DHS REAL ID page: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
– CBP I-94 retrieval: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
– USCIS green card resources and Form I-90 information: visit USCIS’s Green Card resources
Final guidance and legal help
Officials under President Biden have not announced a new statute; agencies are underlining long-standing requirements that some residents may have overlooked. The message is consistent: carry status proof if you’re 18 or older and not a U.S. citizen.
If unsure what to carry:
– Consult an experienced immigration attorney or a qualified legal aid office to confirm which documents apply to your status and how to replace missing papers.
– In urgent situations, keep records of filings and receipts with you until you receive the new card or approval notice, so you can show both your status and your effort to comply if lawfully requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
This Article in a Nutshell
As of October 16, 2025, federal law requires all non-citizens aged 18 and older in the United States to carry proof of immigration status. Permanent residents must carry Form I-551 (green card); non-immigrants should carry documents like a passport with visa, Form I-94, Form I-20 for F-1 students, or DS-2019 for J-1 visitors. Failure to produce original documents when lawfully requested is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $100 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both. The renewed enforcement emphasis coincides with REAL ID implementation for domestic travel. Authorities and lawyers recommend keeping documents current, filing Form I-90 for replacements, retaining receipts and temporary I-551 stamps, and consulting immigration counsel for specific situations.
