The new look, both front and back, of the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services' new permanent resident card, more commonly known as the Green Card.
Story Created:
May 13, 2010 at 11:08 AM PST
Story Updated:
May 13, 2010 at 11:08 AM PST
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Tuesday that it 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 the agency’s ongoing efforts to stop immigration fraud. State-of-the-art technology incorporated into the new card prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication.
“Redesigning the Green Card is a major achievement for [us],” said Alejandro Mayorkas, director of Citizenship and Immigration Services. “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.
Among the benefits of the redesign are secure optical media to 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.
Also, 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. The agency will replace Green Cards already in circulation as individuals apply for renewals or replacements.
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