- What is the policy?
- Under longstanding federal law, non-citizens age 18 or older, including lawful permanent residents (LPRs), must carry proof of their immigration status at all times. For green-card holders, this typically means their physical green card (formally Form I-551). This requirement originated from the Immigration and Nationality Act. Historically, the rule was intended to ensure that individuals could quickly demonstrate lawful status when interacting with federal authorities, particularly at ports of entry or during immigration inspections. While the legal requirement has remained unchanged, enforcement emphasis has varied significantly over time.
- What are recent changes?
- In July 2025 CBP posted a public advisory reiterating the requirement and warning that not having an alien registration when stopped by federal law enforcement can have serious consequences. While the underlying law has not changed, the advisory indicates increased attention to enforcement, signaling that CBP and other federal agencies may more actively verify whether permanent residents are carrying valid documentation.
- How does it impact South Asians?
- South Asian Americans include a large number of lawful permanent residents. With 4.9 million people in the U.S. identifying as Indian alone or in combination (~21% of Asian Americans), green-card holders represent a significant portion of the community. The renewed emphasis on the carry requirement heightens the risk of penalties or increased scrutiny during routine interactions with federal authorities. For green-card holders who do not carry their documentation daily due to concerns about loss, theft, or inconvenience, the advisory introduces added stress and legal risk. As naturalization backlogs continue to affect many South Asian immigrants, the period during which individuals must comply with this requirement may last for years, making awareness and preparedness especially important.