Legal immigrants to get new ID

COEUR d'ALENE - Employers will soon have a more reliable way to confirm that those claiming to be legal U.S. citizens, but some in favor of stricter laws believe it is still not enough.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has redesigned the Permanent Resident Card - commonly known as the "green card" - to incorporate several major new security features. The green card redesign is the latest advance in USCIS's ongoing efforts to deter immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology incorporated into the new card prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication. USCIS began issuing all green cards in the new, more secure format on Tuesday.

"Unless we have E-Verify and police have the opportunity to request to see it, it doesn't mean a thing," said Idaho state Sen. Mike Jorgenson, R-Hayden Lake. "For it to be worth anything somebody has to have the right to ask for it."

The new card incorporates a variety of high-tech security devices, including an embedded holographic photo of the holder.

"Redesigning the green card is a major achievement for USCIS," said Director Alejandro Mayorkas. "The new security technology makes a critical contribution to the integrity of the immigration system."

The enhanced 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, the USCIS said. 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. Tighter integration of the card design with personalized elements will make it difficult to alter the card if stolen. Radio Frequency Identification capability will allow Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry to read the card from a distance and compare it immediately to file data. Finally, a preprinted return address will enable the easy return of a lost card to USCIS.

In keeping with the Permanent Resident Card's nickname, it will now be colored green for easy recognition. USCIS will replace green cards already in circulation as individuals apply for renewal or replacement.

"Anybody can make identification," Jorgenson said. "It is meaningless."

He stands by his opinion that a law recently passed in Arizona that allows police to demand identification any time they suspect a person is not legally in the country is the way to curb illegal immigration. States already have the right to verify employees are legal under a 1986 federal immigration law, he said, but all employers are required to do is write down the information provided.

"It is nothing more than fire insurance," he said. "It is passive."

Questions and Answers

Q. What is a Permanent Resident Card, or "Green Card"?

A. A green card is proof of authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. It also is evidence of registration in accordance with U.S. immigration laws. Newly issued green cards are valid for ten years for lawful permanent residents and two years for conditional residents. The permanent resident must renew his or her card each time it expires.

Q. Why did USCIS redesign the Green Card?

A. The green card redesign is the latest advance in USCIS's ongoing efforts to deter immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication of the card. The enhanced 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.

Q. What major improvements has USCIS included in the redesigned green card?

A. Secure optical media store biometrics for rapid and reliable identification of the card holder. Holographic images, laser engraved fingerprints, and high resolution micro-images make the card nearly impossible to reproduce. Tighter integration of the card design with personalized elements makes it difficult to alter the card if stolen. Radio Frequency Identification capability allows Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry to read the card from a distance and compare it immediately to file data. Finally, a preprinted return address enables the quick and easy return of a lost card to USCIS.

Q. Is the Permanent Resident Card actually green, as its nickname suggests?

A. After the redesign, the card is now colored green.

Q. Who will receive the redesigned green card?

A. Beginning May 11, 2010, USCIS will issue all green cards in the new, more secure format. Recipients of the redesigned card will include those newly approved for lawful permanent residency, as well as those who have sought a renewal or replacement card.

Q. What happens to existing green cards with the old design?

A. 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 remain valid. USCIS recommends that holders of cards without an expiration date apply to replace their cards with the redesigned version.

The current cost of renewing or replacing a green card is $370. Additionally, eligible permanent residents may choose to explore becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. For more information on eligibility for naturalization, go to www.uscis.gov/citizenship.

Q. How does a lawful permanent resident replace a green card, if lost or damaged?

A. A lawful permanent resident may seek a replacement card by filing a Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The Form I-90 and instructions are available online at http://www.uscis.gov/forms. If outside the United States, a lawful permanent resident should contact the nearest U.S. consulate, USCIS office, or U.S. port of entry before attempting to file a Form I-90.

For more information on permanent residency and other immigration benefits, visit www.uscis.gov, or call USCIS's National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283.