By J. Bradley Ortins Esquire
Many readers may have in their Possession an alien registration receipt card or “green card” issued before 1978. This is also known as Form I-151 and there are a number of versions of it. Today’s version of the green card has the form number 1-551 and its appearance is very different from the older version.
In June 1992 the INS announced a program to replace most green cards issued before 1978. The fee for a replacement card is $70. Residents who hold the I-151 card have until August 1993 to apply for a replacement card. After August 1 1993 the old cards will expire. It is estimated that about 1.5 million persons hold old green cards and will have to apply for a new one.
As with other versions of the green card the I-151 was issued by the INS as evidence of the holder’s permanent residence status. The card itself does not provide any status or rights. It is merely evidence of the card holder’s status. Nevertheless the card is of central importance to a permanent resident. It shows that he or she can live and work anywhere in the U.S. enter the U.S. without a visa after a short trip abroad and reside here permanently.
The 1-151 was issued before 1978. Around that time a new version of the card was introduced by INS. In 1989 the design was changed again. This new card is rose or salmon in color and expires in 10 years after issuance. It is designed to be more “secure” from fraud than the earlier versions. The new card unlike the ones issued before 1978 has the fingerprint and signature of the resident on it.
The INS advises that persons who do not apply for a replacement card may experience problems in using the old card. Such residents may be delayed when returning from a short trip abroad and may be unable to prove they are authorized to work in the US.
Since so many persons are affected by this new policy and because the cost of a new card is substantial some questions have arisen about the legality of the INS action in declaring that the old cards will no longer be valid. It is possible that aliens due process rights were violated or that the new policy was made without following proper rulemaking procedures.
Nevertheless residents holding the old card should look into applying for a new card. The local INS office should have the forms needed and an immigration attorney also should be able to help. 7
Mr. Ortins is an attorney concentrating on immigration and nationality law and a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. His office is at 1601 Connecticut Avenue N.W. Suite 300 Washington D.C. 20009. Telephone (202)234-8906 Fax(202)234-8917.
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