Chicago Green Card Holder Fined Under Long-Dormant Immigration Rule

(CHICAGO) U.S. immigration officers in Chicago fined a lawful permanent resident $130 for not carrying his Green Card during a routine stop, signaling renewed enforcement of a long‑dormant federal rule that requires non‑citizens to keep proof of registration on them at all times.

The case involves Rueben Antonio Cruz, 60, a Chicago resident who holds a Green Card. ICE officers stopped him, asked for immigration documents, and issued a fine when he couldn’t present them on the spot. He was not jailed. Advocates and attorneys say the incident shows a clear change in day‑to‑day enforcement that affects Green Card holders and visa holders across the country.

Legal basis and recent clarification

The legal basis is Section 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a rule enacted in 1940 that makes it a misdemeanor for any non‑U.S. citizen aged 18 or older to fail to carry proof of registration.

Key points:
– The original statute listed a fine capped at $100, but the Department of Homeland Security clarified in March 2025 that noncompliance is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
– The law has been on the books for decades, but many in the immigration community assumed it was more symbolic than actively enforced.
– The Chicago fine suggests that assumption may no longer hold.

Policy observers note this renewed focus aligns with broader enforcement priorities under the current administration of President Trump, including reviving underused provisions in immigration law. Federal guidance in recent months has emphasized carrying proof of registration, and advocacy groups report more stops where officers demand documents.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the Chicago case is part of a wider pattern in which federal agencies are applying old rules with fresh energy, creating new daily risks for people who have long lived in the United States as legal residents.

“This is the second case I have seen where a non‑citizen was criminally charged for failure to carry papers,” said Aaron Reichlin‑Melnick of the American Immigration Council, underscoring concerns this may not be a one‑off.

Policy and penalties under INA Section 264

Under INA Section 264, non‑citizens must carry proof of registration “at all times.” For various groups this typically means:

• Permanent residents: Green Card (alien registration card).
• Visa holders: I‑94 record, foreign passport with U.S. visa, or other proof of lawful status.

Important enforcement details:
– If you’re 18 or older and not a U.S. citizen, you must carry proof of registration.
– DHS’s March 2025 clarification set the modern penalty level: up to $5,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
– In practice, fines can be lower (as in the Chicago case), but the legal ceiling is significant and creates real fear.
– The Department of Justice has instructed federal prosecutors to prioritize some immigration‑related misdemeanors, which could increase referrals for charges when someone cannot show documents.

These enforcement steps come after years when carrying papers was rarely enforced, which explains the heightened attention to the Chicago incident.

Impact on Green Card holders and daily life

For many permanent residents, the rule adds a new layer of stress to everyday activities.

Everyday scenarios now carry risk:
– Going for a jog, picking up a child from school, or riding public transit without a wallet could trigger a stop where the absence of documentation results in a fine.
– Document checks could become more frequent in cities with large immigrant communities, like Chicago.

Community consequences:
– Groups describe a “chilling effect”: people may avoid buses, public spaces, or other routine activities if they left their card at home.
– Workers and students may worry about damage, loss, or theft of their cards if carried in risky environments.
– Advocates warn about uneven enforcement: if stops target certain racial or ethnic groups or neighborhoods disproportionately, the policy may invite claims of discrimination.
– Legal challenges will likely focus on due process and whether officials apply the rule fairly.

Practical implications for institutions:
– Employers’ HR teams may face more questions about work authorization.
– Universities and international student offices may update orientations to stress carrying ID at all times.
– Landlords and community centers are hosting know‑your‑rights sessions to explain what to do if an officer asks for documents.

Practical steps: What non‑citizens should do now

1. Carry your Green Card or other proof of registration at all times if you are 18 or older.
   • For permanent residents, that means the physical Green Card.
2. Keep secure copies at home.
   • Photocopies or digital images are not a legal substitute during a stop, but they are helpful if your card is lost or stolen.
3. Plan for daily routines.
   • Consider a small protective sleeve or wallet insert so you can carry your card without damaging it during work or exercise.

1. Know your rights during encounters.
   • You can ask if you are under arrest. You should not lie. If unsure, ask to speak with a lawyer.
2. Update your address with USCIS within 10 days of moving.
   • File Form AR‑11 online at the official USCIS page: Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card. Keeping records current reduces risk in later checks.
3. Seek legal help if fined or charged.
   • An immigration attorney can review the facts, identify errors, and advise on next steps.

For Chicago residents, community legal clinics can help review documents and create safe plans for carrying ID. Some clinics recommend keeping a small emergency card in your wallet with your A‑number and your attorney’s contact information in case your Green Card is temporarily unavailable.

Wider context and takeaways

Officials stress the rule applies nationwide, not only in Chicago. This enforcement push reflects a federal approach to immigration compliance under President Trump’s direction to fully execute existing laws.

• Past administrations, including under President Biden, did not prioritize carrying‑papers violations in the same way. That helps explain the sense of whiplash among long‑time Green Card holders.
• Many permanent residents have lived in the U.S. for decades—raising families and paying taxes—while rarely being asked to show their Green Card outside employment checks or travel. Now, the practical approach is to treat the card like a driver’s license: carry it, keep it safe, and replace it quickly if lost.

The Chicago case underscores the difference between legal status and daily practice. As enforcement shifts, the human stakes are straightforward:
– A forgotten wallet can now lead to a hefty fine.
– A missed address update can become a criminal matter.

The law itself has not changed; the enforcement has. For millions of non‑citizens, the new normal is simple and strict: carry proof of registration, every day.