The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) has announced that the Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card") has been redesigned.  The new card, which started being issued on May 11, 2010, has several, major new security features.  These features include shifting ink colors, a hologram, a laser engraved fingerprint, optical media storage of biometric data, a laser engraved signature and embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.  Additionally, the new card is actually green.

These new security features were implemented to help prevent counterfeiting and tampering, and should allow for quick and accurate authentication of the card.  The features will also assist law enforcement, employers and immigrants.  For example, the RFID gives the US Customs & Border Protection at ports of entry the ability to read the cards from a distance and immediately compare the card information to the data on the computer system.  There is also an "If found, please return" address on the card, which would then allow for the lost card to be returned to the USCIS.

For current permanent residents, their Green Cards are still valid.  Their cards should contain an expiration date.  These permanent residents will receive the newly, redesigned Green Card when they file for the renewal.  If a permanent resident holds a card that does not contain an expiration date, that card is still valid.  However, the USCIS strongly recommends that those individuals replace their cards with the redesigned version.

A sample of the new card, as well as a fact sheet and some frequently asked questions, can be found at the USCIS website.

For more information, contact:

Karen McAmmond
Immigration Services
Business Manager
734.668.8990