Posted by Michael Pollak on Wed, May 12, 2010 @ 10:02 AM
WASHINGTON - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has redesigned the Permanent Resident Card - 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.
"Redesigning the Green Card is a major achievement for USCIS," said Director Alejandro Mayorkas. "The new security technology makes a critical contribution to the integrity of the immigration system."
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. 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 preprinted return address will enable the easy return of a lost card to USCIS.
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 individuals apply for renewal or replacement.
Questions and Answers
Q. What is a Permanent Resident Card, or "Green Card"?
A. A Green Card is proof of 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.
Q. Why did USCIS redesign the Green Card?
A. 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.
Q. What major improvements has USCIS included in the redesigned Green Card?
A. 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.
Q. Is the Permanent Resident Card actually green, as its nickname suggests?
A. After the redesign, the card is now colored green.
Q. Who will receive the redesigned Green Card?
A. 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.
Q. What happens to existing Green Cards with the old design?
A. 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. For more information on eligibility for naturalization, go to www.uscis.gov/citizenship.
Q. How does a lawful permanent resident replace a Green Card, if lost or damaged?
A. A lawful permanent resident may seek a replacement card by filing a Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The Form I-90 and instructions are available online at http://www.uscis.gov/forms. 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.
Posted by Michael Pollak on Fri, Sep 25, 2009 @ 08:41 AM
A $118 million shortfall resulting from a drop in citizenship applications and skilled worker visas is causing concern among immigrant advocate groups. The agency, which is now required by law to be self-supporting is considering the fee increases and budget cuts next year. The high cost of
citizenship will put a strain on low and moderate income permanent residents seeking naturalization. In addition, the shortfalls could adversely impact the agencies ability to support the possibility of legislation that could cause millions of undocumented applicants applying for legalization. Read more in an
LA Times article by Teresa Wanabe and Anne Gorman.
Posted by Michael Pollak on Thu, Sep 17, 2009 @ 01:55 PM
The Immigration & Nationality Act says that, for the purposes of immigration law, the definition of spouse does not include a "wife or husband by reason of any marriage ceremony where the contracting parties thereto are not physically present in the presence of each other, unless the marriage shall have been consummated." Now Hotaru Ferschke, the widow of Sgt. Michael Ferschke, a war hero killed in Iraq in 2008, and their infant son, Mikey, struggle to remain in the United States as a result of a 1950s legal standard meant to curb marriage fraud. Ironically, U.S. immigration authorities do not recognize Hotaru's marriage, even though the military does. Read more in
Kristin M. Hall's article appearing today in the Associated Press.
Posted by Michael Pollak on Sat, Sep 12, 2009 @ 01:33 PM
The number of immigrants applying to become U.S. citizens plunged 62 percent last year as the cost of naturalization rose. In late 2007, the application cost increased from $330 to $595, plus an $80 fee for computerized fingerprinting. Partly in anticipation of the price increase, 1.38 million people filed applications in 2007, creating a backlog that nearly tripled the average processing time. Citing a decline in real median income among non-citizens in recent years, a recent analysis said that "eligible applicants face mounting economic pressures that threaten to place naturalization out of reach." Shouldn't the government do more to ease the way for would-be citizens through fee defrayment, information workshops and English classes. These permanent residents are paying the same taxes as U.S. citizens and should have the privilege of becoming U.S. Citizens without having to pay these exhorbitant fees.