The federal government has started issuing new, more secure “green cards” for permanent U.S. residents. The Permanent Resident Cards, redesigned by the U.S.. Citizenship and Immigration Services, are intended to deter immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology incorporated into the new card prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication.
The new 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.
In keeping with the Permanent Resident Card’s nickname, it will now be colored green – instead of pink-orange – for easy recognition. USCIS will replace green cards already in circulation as individuals apply for renewal or replacement.
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 will remain valid.