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Green Card holders must carry proof at all times: CBP
The advisory comes amid heightened immigration enforcement and renewed calls for mass deportations, raising concerns about the rights of lawful permanent residents.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 26, Jul 2025
- 15:06 EDT
- 28
Representative image / Canva
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a renewed warning to Green Card holders, urging them to carry proof of their immigration status at all times.
The advisory comes amid heightened immigration enforcement and renewed calls for mass deportations, raising concerns about the rights of lawful permanent residents.
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In a post on X dated July 23, CBP stated, “Always carry your alien registration documentation. Not having these when stopped by federal law enforcement can lead to a misdemeanor and fines.”
Attention
— CBP (@CBP) July 23, 2025
Always carry your alien registration documentation. Not having these when stopped by federal law enforcement can lead to a misdemeanor and fines. pic.twitter.com/WAmOeQtLjP
The agency reiterated the legal requirement under Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which mandates that every noncitizen aged 18 and over must carry their alien registration receipt card or certificate at all times. The law, codified under Title 8 of the U.S. Code, Section 1304(e), has been in effect for decades but is now being emphasized as part of stricter immigration enforcement.
Recent directives from the Department of Homeland Security suggest that penalties for non-compliance could now include fines of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to 30 days—a significant escalation from previous enforcement norms.
Sparked fears
While the regulation is not new, the timing of the reminder has drawn attention. President Donald Trump launched a renewed effort to remove millions of undocumented immigrants, prompting fears that even legal residents could be swept up in aggressive enforcement actions.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has come under scrutiny in recent years for mistakenly detaining Green Card holders who failed to carry documentation, despite having legal status.
In one high-profile case, a long-time permanent resident was denied re-entry and detained after traveling from Canada due to decades-old misdemeanor convictions. Civil rights advocates warn that such incidents reflect a growing trend of legal residents being caught in the crosshairs of intensified immigration policy.
Amid this climate, legal experts emphasize that while lawful permanent residents must comply with documentation rules, they are not required to answer questions from immigration officials without legal counsel. Green Card holders retain the right to remain silent and request an attorney if detained.
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