WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today a proposal to require nearly 750,000 lawful permanent residents carrying “green cards” without an expiration date to replace their current cards. USCIS published in today’s Federal Register a rule open for public comment that proposes to require lawful permanent residents to apply for a new Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly referred to as a “green card,” during a 120-day filing period. The change would allow USCIS to issue more secure permanent resident cards, update cardholder information, conduct background checks, and electronically store applicants’ fingerprint and photographic information. Permanent Resident Cards are issued as evidence of the holder’s authorization to live and work in the United States. In August 1989, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) began issuing new cards with a 10-year expiration date and required residents to apply periodically for a new card. Between 1979 and 1989, however, the cards were issued without expiration dates. These are the cards that are the subject of the proposed rule.
Green Card Renewal is an important matter. Green Card holders (United States permanent residents) with expired Green Cards may be considered "out of status" and may be denied entry into the United States if their green card is out of date. Therefore, it is vital to keep your proof of permanent resident status current and valid. If your Green Card was issued over 10 years ago, you should check the expiration date printed on the front of the card. If your Green Card is expired, of it it is about to expire, you should renew your Green Card immediately.