Before him Increased operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) In different parts of the country, many people, including permanent residents and U.S. citizens, are wondering what documents they are required to carry and which they are not in case of an encounter with the authorities.
The answer varies depending on immigration status and is defined by federal law. Knowing these differences can help avoid confusion, unnecessary detentions, or stressful situations during an immigration or police check.
Permanent residents: obligation to carry the green card
People with legal permanent residence are required by law to carry valid proof of their immigration status.
In practice, this means carrying:
- The Permanent Resident Card (green card) current, or
- An official USCIS extension that accompanies an expired card.
Federal law states that not carrying a green card can constitute a minor infraction. While it doesn't usually result in criminal penalties, it can lead to delays, transfers to verification offices, or detention while immigration status is confirmed. This is especially true in the context of ICE operations.
For this reason, immigration specialists often recommend that permanent residents keep their original document readily available and in good condition. They also suggest avoiding relying solely on copies or photos on a phone.
US citizens: there is no obligation to carry immigration documents
Unlike permanent residents, US citizens are not required By law, they are required to carry documents proving their citizenship when they are within the country.
In an encounter with authorities, a person can declare that they are a citizen and is not legally required to present proof of citizenship, even at immigration checkpoints.
Identification: when it can be useful, even if it is not mandatory
While there is no legal obligation, carrying some form of identification can facilitate certain interactions, especially at traffic stops, police checkpoints, or when traveling within the country.
In these cases, having certain documents can help expedite the process. For example, a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
At airports, meanwhile, everyone is required to show an accepted form of identification.
What forms of ID are accepted at airports?
among the forms of valid identification at airports are:
- REAL ID-compliant state driver's licenses or identification cards
- Enhanced Driver's Licenses (EDL/EID)
- US passport or passport card
- Trusted traveler program cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense Identification
- Permanent resident card
- border crossing card
- Federally recognized tribal identification (including Enhanced Tribal Cards)
- TWIC Credential
- Work Permit (I-766)
- Passport issued by a foreign government
- U.S. Merchant Marine Credential
- Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- Canadian provincial driver's licenses
Naturalized citizens: same rights, same protections
The people that acquired citizenship By naturalization they have the same rights as those born in the United States.
They are not required to:
- To carry their naturalization certificate
- Show immigration documents
- Answer questions about your citizenship process
Even so, legal organizations recommend storing the certificate in a safe place and keeping copies, as replacing it can be costly and time-consuming.
Checkpoints and areas near the border
In areas near the border or at immigration checkpoints, permanent residents may be required to show their green card.
US citizens can declare their citizenship and are not required to submit documents, although doing so voluntarily can shorten the verification process.
In all cases, people have the right to remain silent and not answer any additional questions about their status beyond what is strictly necessary.
You may be interested: Before the federal operations, fear already marked the lives of Latino immigrants in North Carolina
What should not be done
Regardless of immigration status, experts recommend:
- Do not lie about your immigration status
- Do not submit false documents
- Do not hand over documents without understanding which authority is requesting them and for what purpose.
Republish our stories for free on your website or newspaper. We follow the Creative Commons license. Click the box and follow the instructions.
