Is it necessary bring all time the Green Card?

[TexasGuy0101 75]

I am October 2018 filer and received my Green Card in September in the Approval letter said for law it is necessary I bring with me all time? I read in Uscis page and there say that also but I worry about I could loss it if I bring with me all time 

 

thank you for your opinion 

[Crazy Cat 39,227]

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/do-i-really-need-carry-green-card-me.html

 

"If you are 18 or older, you do have to carry your green card with you. Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.) requires all lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to have “at all times” official evidence of LPR status."

Edited October 15, 2019 by missileman

[Teemo 252]

2 hours ago, missileman said:

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/do-i-really-need-carry-green-card-me.html

 

"If you are 18 or older, you do have to carry your green card with you. Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.) requires all lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to have “at all times” official evidence of LPR status."

I wonder if this is actually enforced though. There's the law according to the books and then there's what actually happens day in and day out. I wonder if those are the same here. I don't bring my green card, but my EAD still has not expired (although now obviously invalid) so I take that in my wallet instead. Avoids the risk of losing my green card, but still shows some evidence of status in case I am ever asked.

Edited October 15, 2019 by Teemo

[payxibka 10,044]

10 minutes ago, Teemo said:

I wonder if this is actually enforced though. There's the law according to the books and then there's what actually happens day in and day out. I wonder if those are the same here. I don't bring my green card, but my EAD still has not expired (although now obviously invalid) so I take that in my wallet instead. Avoids the risk of losing my green card, but still shows some evidence of status in case I am ever asked.

We ran into a mobile CBP checkpoint and was sure thankful that my ex had her GC on her 

[Teemo 252]

3 minutes ago, payxibka said:

We ran into a mobile CBP checkpoint and was sure thankful that my ex had her GC on her 

Fair enough. Where was the checkpoint?

[Pitaya 2,576]

1 minute ago, Teemo said:

Fair enough. Where was the checkpoint?

Typically the federal officers/agents of ICE and CBP are the main LEOs that can ask to see your GC if you are a LPR. Local LEOs don't usually bother with INA enforcement. The prez has signed an executive order directing ICE and CBP agents to start an "enhanced enforcement program." It has been known for some time that CBP has been operating mobile checkpoints in states near our southern border. Recently ICE agents were raiding egg farms in Minnesota for illegal or undocumented aliens. So there are federal immigration agents roaming our northern and southern borders. You can also run into ICE and CBP agents at the nation's domestic airports on the look-out for undocumented or illegal aliens. You may be lucky and never run into them. However, if you do, and if you do not have proper documentation, you could be detained until you are able to have a hearing before an immigration law judge. So, do you feel lucky, or live in a "sanctuary" area? You can do a Google search to find out about sanctuary cities and counties.

 

YMMV

[Teemo 252]

17 minutes ago, Pitaya said:

Typically the federal officers/agents of ICE and CBP are the main LEOs that can ask to see your GC if you are a LPR. Local LEOs don't usually bother with INA enforcement. The prez has signed an executive order directing ICE and CBP agents to start an "enhanced enforcement program." It has been known for some time that CBP has been operating mobile checkpoints in states near our southern border. Recently ICE agents were raiding egg farms in Minnesota for illegal or undocumented aliens. So there are federal immigration agents roaming our northern and southern borders. You can also run into ICE and CBP agents at the nation's domestic airports on the look-out for undocumented or illegal aliens. You may be lucky and never run into them. However, if you do, and if you do not have proper documentation, you could be detained until you are able to have a hearing before an immigration law judge. So, do you feel lucky, or live in a "sanctuary" area? You can do a Google search to find out about sanctuary cities and counties.

 

YMMV

You're not wrong, but you're making it seem more likely than it is, outside of border towns and states. I've lived in the US for 19 years now and taken dozens of domestic flights, with zero people asking me for my papers outside of my jobs on my first day, and international customs. My office building is not likely to be raided. At the same time, yes, checkpoints do exist. I wouldn't call it "lucky." It's just unlikely outside of border states like Texas, Arizona, border cities like San Diego etc.  Lastly, I carry around my driver's license and my EAD, neither of which are past the expiration date listed on the card, so I think I'll be fine in my situation. 

Edited October 15, 2019 by Teemo

[Ontarkie 13,916]

~~Moved to General Immigration Discussion, from AOS Family - The AOS process is done the OP has his GC~~

[Crazy Cat 39,227]

14 hours ago, Teemo said:

I wonder if this is actually enforced though. There's the law according to the books and then there's what actually happens day in and day out. I wonder if those are the same here. I don't bring my green card, but my EAD still has not expired (although now obviously invalid) so I take that in my wallet instead. Avoids the risk of losing my green card, but still shows some evidence of status in case I am ever asked.

You either follow the law or you don't.  If you choose not to follow the law, you take a risk of a fine, 30 days in jail,  and a great deal of unneeded hassle.......It's your call....

[Tanish 197]

14 hours ago, Teemo said:

You're not wrong, but you're making it seem more likely than it is, outside of border towns and states. I've lived in the US for 19 years now and taken dozens of domestic flights, with zero people asking me for my papers outside of my jobs on my first day, and international customs. My office building is not likely to be raided. At the same time, yes, checkpoints do exist. I wouldn't call it "lucky." It's just unlikely outside of border states like Texas, Arizona, border cities like San Diego etc.  Lastly, I carry around my driver's license and my EAD, neither of which are past the expiration date listed on the card, so I think I'll be fine in my situation. 

It's not about how many times people encounter the scenario where an LPR has to produce the proof. It doesn't matter if the possibility of encountering this scenario is only 1%, if it happens to you (by you, I mean anyone) then you have to face consequences. It is never a good idea to advise someone not to follow the instructions, because if OP doesn't carry the GC with them all the time and they encounter the situation where they have to provide the proof, they will face the consequences.

Edited October 15, 2019 by Tanish

[Teemo 252]

1 hour ago, missileman said:

You either follow the law or you don't.  If you choose not to follow the law, you take a risk of a fine, 30 days in jail,  and a great deal of unneeded hassle.......It's your call....

I can tell you many things, in immigration law, or otherwise, where what is on the books is not what is happening in real life. Yea, if people are getting 30 days in jail for the sole reason that they are not having their GC, then yea we should all carry our GCs. My point is, IDK if that is actually happening or not. There's a reason there is a concept of "case law" vs. "on the books law."  Between my valid driver's license and EAD where the expiration date is beyond today's date, I don't think I'll get 30 days in jail if someone asks for proof of being here legally. If I learn otherwise, then I am wrong and will carry my GC always. Pointing to something that may never be enforced (which is an open question) isn't making the point you think it is. 

Edited October 15, 2019 by Teemo

[Just Paul 4,591]

My wife was asked for hers during a LEO traffic stop in Illinois.  My fault as the driver.

 

We live near the border, actually go to Mexico often, so she just has it in her purse. . .  and a copy on her phone.

[Crazy Cat 39,227]

18 minutes ago, Teemo said:

I can tell you many things, in immigration law, or otherwise, where what is on the books is not what is happening in real life. Yea, if people are getting 30 days in jail for the sole reason that they are not having their GC, then yea we should all carry our GCs. My point is, IDK if that is actually happening or not. There's a reason there is a concept of "case law" vs. "on the books law."  Between my valid driver's license and EAD where the expiration date is beyond today's date, I don't think I'll get 30 days in jail if someone asks for proof of being here legally. If I learn otherwise, then I am wrong and will carry my GC always. Pointing to something that may never be enforced (which is an open question) isn't making the point you think it is. 

My point is pretty clear.  Your life....your choice....your risk......take the risk or obey the law as written. 

 

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/do-i-really-need-carry-green-card-me.html

 

"If you are 18 or older, you do have to carry your green card with you. Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.) requires all lawful permanent residents (LPRs) to have “at all times” official evidence of LPR status.

Failing to have your green card with you is a misdemeanor and if you are found guilty you can be fined up to $100 and put in jail for up to 30 days. (I.N.A. Section 264(e).) A copy is not good enough, because the law does not use the word “copy” or refer to “other evidence” of LPR status."

Edited October 15, 2019 by missileman

[Honey_B 9]

Hmm I have a photocopy of my GC in my purse. I only take the original with me when I travel. Do I need to change this?

[Ed&Midori1031 330]

If you have no ohter type of identification on you, then of course.  Not only that, it's simply a smart decision to always carry your GC anyways.