USCIS to Issue Redesigned Green Cards
Lal Varghese, Attorney at Law, Dallas
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that with effect from May 11, 2010 they will issue new redesigned the Permanent Resident Cards - commonly known as the "Green Card" - to incorporate several major new security features. The Green Card redesign is the latest advance in USCIS’s ongoing efforts to deter immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology incorporated into the new card prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication. Beginning today, USCIS will issue all Green Cards in the new, more secure format.
The enhanced features will better serve law enforcement, employers, and immigrants, all of whom look to the Green Card as definitive proof of legal authorization to live and work in the United States. Among the benefits of the redesign: Secure optical media will store biometrics for rapid and reliable identification of the card holder. Holographic images, laser engraved fingerprints, and high resolution micro-images will make the card nearly impossible to reproduce. Tighter integration of the card design with personalized elements will make it difficult to alter the card if stolen. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capability will allow Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry to read the card from a distance and compare it immediately to file data. Finally, a pre-printed return address will enable the easy return of a lost card to USCIS by anyone who found the same. In keeping with the Permanent Resident Card's nickname, it will now be colored green for easy recognition. USCIS will replace Green Cards already in circulation as and when individuals apply for renewal or replacement of their existing green cards.
Important Features of the new Green Card:
· Redesign results from extensive collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Screening Coordination Office, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Forensic Document Laboratory, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
· Special ink creates color shifts in visual designs (e.g., eagle’s head).
· Fine-lined artwork and complex architecture incorporate patterns that are nearly impossible to reproduce.
· Card materials resist tampering. Attempted tampering becomes immediately visible to the naked eye.
· Standard card design and personalized features are integrated to deter fraud attempts, e.g., alteration of the photograph.
· Greater detail in photograph makes for easier identification of the bearer.
· Ultra-violet technology and tactile clues allow accurate card authentication at border crossings.
· Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) allows inspectors to read unique, 192-bit serial number (192-bits) from a distance and link the information to the personal data on file.
· Personalized return address on back of card doubles as security feature and as customer-service enhancement to facilitate easy return of lost cards to USCIS.
· In keeping with its nickname, redesigned Permanent Resident Card is now green.
A Green Card is proof of legal authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. It also is evidence of registration in accordance with U.S. immigration laws. Newly issued Green Cards are valid for ten years for lawful permanent residents and two years for conditional residents. The permanent resident must renew his or her card each time it expires. The Green Card redesign is the latest advance in USCIS’s ongoing efforts to deter immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication of the card. The enhanced features will better serve law enforcement, employers, and immigrants, all of whom look to the Green Card as definitive proof of authorization to live and work in the United States.
Secure optical media store biometrics for rapid and reliable identification of the card holder. Holographic images, laser engraved fingerprints, and high resolution micro-images make the card nearly impossible to reproduce. Tighter integration of the card design with personalized elements makes it difficult to alter the card if stolen. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capability allows Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry to read the card from a distance and compare it immediately to file data. Finally, a preprinted return address enables the quick and easy return of a lost card to USCIS.
After the redesign, the card is now colored green. Beginning May 11, 2010, USCIS will issue all Green Cards in the new, more secure format. Recipients of the redesigned card will include those newly approved for lawful permanent residency, as well as those who have sought a renewal or replacement card. Some existing Green Cards bear an expiration date, and those cards will remain valid until they expire. Holders of those cards will receive the redesigned version when seeking a renewal or replacement. Other existing Green Cards have no expiration date, and those cards remain valid. USCIS recommends that holders of cards without an expiration date apply to replace their cards with the redesigned version. The current cost of renewing or replacing a Green Card is $370. Additionally, eligible permanent residents may choose to explore becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. A lawful permanent resident may seek a replacement card by filing a Form I-90, application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. If outside the United States, a lawful permanent resident should contact the nearest U.S. consulate, USCIS office, or U.S. port of entry before attempting to file a Form I-90.
Disclaimer: Lal Varghese, Attorney at Law does not claim authorship for above referenced information. Lal Varghese, Attorney at Law or the publisher is not responsible or liable for anything stated above, since it is generalized information about the subject matters collected from various sources including Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, State Department, Federal Register, and American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Advocacy Center, and other legal sources. For individual cases and specific questions you are advised to consult an attorney of your choice or contact the agencies mentioned above. You may visit our website at: www.indiaimmigrationusa.com or www.indiaimmigrationusa.blogspot.com for more information about other related immigration matters.
Lal Varghese, Attorney at Law, Dallas
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that with effect from May 11, 2010 they will issue new redesigned the Permanent Resident Cards - commonly known as the "Green Card" - to incorporate several major new security features. The Green Card redesign is the latest advance in USCIS’s ongoing efforts to deter immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology incorporated into the new card prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication. Beginning today, USCIS will issue all Green Cards in the new, more secure format.
The enhanced features will better serve law enforcement, employers, and immigrants, all of whom look to the Green Card as definitive proof of legal authorization to live and work in the United States. Among the benefits of the redesign: Secure optical media will store biometrics for rapid and reliable identification of the card holder. Holographic images, laser engraved fingerprints, and high resolution micro-images will make the card nearly impossible to reproduce. Tighter integration of the card design with personalized elements will make it difficult to alter the card if stolen. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capability will allow Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry to read the card from a distance and compare it immediately to file data. Finally, a pre-printed return address will enable the easy return of a lost card to USCIS by anyone who found the same. In keeping with the Permanent Resident Card's nickname, it will now be colored green for easy recognition. USCIS will replace Green Cards already in circulation as and when individuals apply for renewal or replacement of their existing green cards.
Important Features of the new Green Card:
· Redesign results from extensive collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Screening Coordination Office, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Forensic Document Laboratory, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
· Special ink creates color shifts in visual designs (e.g., eagle’s head).
· Fine-lined artwork and complex architecture incorporate patterns that are nearly impossible to reproduce.
· Card materials resist tampering. Attempted tampering becomes immediately visible to the naked eye.
· Standard card design and personalized features are integrated to deter fraud attempts, e.g., alteration of the photograph.
· Greater detail in photograph makes for easier identification of the bearer.
· Ultra-violet technology and tactile clues allow accurate card authentication at border crossings.
· Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) allows inspectors to read unique, 192-bit serial number (192-bits) from a distance and link the information to the personal data on file.
· Personalized return address on back of card doubles as security feature and as customer-service enhancement to facilitate easy return of lost cards to USCIS.
· In keeping with its nickname, redesigned Permanent Resident Card is now green.
A Green Card is proof of legal authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. It also is evidence of registration in accordance with U.S. immigration laws. Newly issued Green Cards are valid for ten years for lawful permanent residents and two years for conditional residents. The permanent resident must renew his or her card each time it expires. The Green Card redesign is the latest advance in USCIS’s ongoing efforts to deter immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication of the card. The enhanced features will better serve law enforcement, employers, and immigrants, all of whom look to the Green Card as definitive proof of authorization to live and work in the United States.
Secure optical media store biometrics for rapid and reliable identification of the card holder. Holographic images, laser engraved fingerprints, and high resolution micro-images make the card nearly impossible to reproduce. Tighter integration of the card design with personalized elements makes it difficult to alter the card if stolen. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capability allows Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry to read the card from a distance and compare it immediately to file data. Finally, a preprinted return address enables the quick and easy return of a lost card to USCIS.
After the redesign, the card is now colored green. Beginning May 11, 2010, USCIS will issue all Green Cards in the new, more secure format. Recipients of the redesigned card will include those newly approved for lawful permanent residency, as well as those who have sought a renewal or replacement card. Some existing Green Cards bear an expiration date, and those cards will remain valid until they expire. Holders of those cards will receive the redesigned version when seeking a renewal or replacement. Other existing Green Cards have no expiration date, and those cards remain valid. USCIS recommends that holders of cards without an expiration date apply to replace their cards with the redesigned version. The current cost of renewing or replacing a Green Card is $370. Additionally, eligible permanent residents may choose to explore becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. A lawful permanent resident may seek a replacement card by filing a Form I-90, application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. If outside the United States, a lawful permanent resident should contact the nearest U.S. consulate, USCIS office, or U.S. port of entry before attempting to file a Form I-90.
Disclaimer: Lal Varghese, Attorney at Law does not claim authorship for above referenced information. Lal Varghese, Attorney at Law or the publisher is not responsible or liable for anything stated above, since it is generalized information about the subject matters collected from various sources including Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, State Department, Federal Register, and American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Advocacy Center, and other legal sources. For individual cases and specific questions you are advised to consult an attorney of your choice or contact the agencies mentioned above. You may visit our website at: www.indiaimmigrationusa.com or www.indiaimmigrationusa.blogspot.com for more information about other related immigration matters.
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