Proposal for Green Cards without Expiration
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has proposed to require nearly 750,000 lawful permanent residents carrying green cards without an expiration date to replace their current cards. The proposed rule would require lawful permanent residents to apply for a new Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) during a 120-day filing period. USCIS said the change would allow the agency to issue more secure permanent resident cards, update cardholder information, conduct background checks, and electronically store applicants’ fingerprint and photographic information.
In August 1989, the former Immigration and Naturalization Service 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 latter cards are the subject of the proposed rule.
Under the proposed rule, affected lawful permanent residents would file an Application to Replace Lawful Permanent Residence Card (Form I-90). The I-90 requires applicants to provide current biographic and biometric (photographs and fingerprint) information.
In addition to proposing a 120-day filing period, the rule also would remove all references in the regulations to outdated I-90 application procedures and correct the title and edition date of the I-90. Finally, under the rule, USCIS would be able to terminate permanent resident cards without an expiration date via notice in the Federal Register.
Downloads:
- The full text of the proposed rule, which will remain available for public comment until September 21, 2007, is posted online.
- Information is also available in an accompanying announcement
- Fact sheet and questions-and-answers
