US Lists 3 Types of Green Cards That Are No Longer Valid for Foreigners to Carry
- A major US immigration update has left some foreign nationals with an important document check to make
- Authorities have identified certain older documents that are no longer accepted as valid proof of status
- Affected residents have been urged to take action to avoid potential problems with their immigration status
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The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has confirmed that three legacy versions of the alien registration card are no longer valid as proof of lawful permanent resident status
It has consequently directed all affected holders to obtain replacement documentation without delay.
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The announcement follows guidance issued by USCIS instructing foreign nationals residing in the US to review their immigration documents to determine whether they hold any of the now-decommissioned formats.
Three legacy Green Card formats decommissioned
USCIS confirmed that Form AR-3, Form AR-103, and Form I-151 have been fully retired. These documents, issued under earlier standards, are no longer recognised as legal evidence of permanent residency in the United States.
Only the current version of the Permanent Resident Card, widely known as the Green Card, is now accepted as valid proof of lawful permanent resident status.
Foreign nationals who still carry any of the three listed legacy formats are required to apply for a replacement card.
USCIS cautioned that continuing to rely on obsolete documentation could create serious complications for residents, including difficulties during international travel, problems verifying employment eligibility with employers, and barriers when attempting to access services offered by government departments.
How affected residents can apply for replacement
The USCIS has made detailed filing instructions and application guidelines available through its official website for permanent residents who need to replace outdated cards.
In a separate reminder, the agency also addressed the position of conditional permanent residents who hold two-year Green Cards.
Those individuals cannot renew their cards directly. Instead, they are required to file a formal petition to remove the conditions attached to their residency before their card's expiry date, a process that is distinct from a standard replacement application.
The directive reinforces the federal government's ongoing effort to ensure that all lawful permanent residents carry documentation that meets current identification and security standards.
Benefits green card holders can enjoy
Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh had earlier reported that the US government had officially outlined two benefits that Green Card holders were entitled to, as published on its official website.
Green Card holders could use the card to prove their employment eligibility when completing Form I-9, the federal work authorisation form.
They were also eligible to apply for a Social Security Card and a state-issued driver's licence using their Green Card.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
