US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a stern warning to green card holders and other non-citizens to carry their registration documentation at all times. A failure to do so could result in a misdemeanour charge and fines if stopped by federal law enforcement, according to CBP.
“Always carry your alien registration documentation. Not having these when stopped by federal law enforcement can lead to a misdemeanour and fines,” CBP said in a post on X on Wednesday (US time).
The advisory, rooted in Section 1304(e) of Title 8 of the US Code, mandates that every non-citizen aged 18 and older must carry their certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card at all times.
“Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him. Failing to do so can lead to a misdemeanour and fines if you are stopped by federal law enforcement. If you are a non-citizen, please follow the laws of the United States of America,” the advisory read.
The CBP’s reminder serves as an important notice to millions of immigrants living legally in the US, especially amid evolving immigration policies and increased enforcement measures.
A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), is proof that a person has been granted lawful permanent residency (LPR) in the United States.
This could also impact Indians.
Indians account for the second-largest immigrant community in the US, with several thousand holding green cards.
Data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in 2024 revealed that 49,700 Indians were naturalised, making up 6.1% of all new US citizens. This places them right behind Mexico, which accounted for 13.1% of naturalisations, making it the highest.
“Among the top five countries of birth for people naturalising in FY 2024, Mexico was the lead country with 13.1% of all naturalisations, followed by India (6.1%), the Philippines (5.0%), the Dominican Republic (4.9%), and Vietnam (4.1%),” stated the USCIS report.
KRISTI NOEM ASKED ALL NON-CITIZENS TO CARRY DOCUMENTS
Earlier in April, Department of Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem asked all non-citizens 18 and older to carry permits at all times.
“All non-citizens 18 and older must carry this documentation (registration proof) at all times. The administration has directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to prioritise enforcement. There will be no sanctuary for non-compliance,” Kristi Noem, DHS secretary, said in a statement.
In March, US Vice President JD Vance said that green card holders in the US do not have an indefinite right to stay in the country and can be deported at the administration’s discretion.
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