MANY GREEN CARDS ABOUT TO EXPIRE

About ten years ago, the INS began issuing green cards – the coveted symbol of lawful permanent residence in the U.S. – with expiration dates ten years in the future. It has now been ten years, and these green cards are about to expire.

The expiration of the green card has no effect on a person’s status in the U.S. In other words, even though the green card is no longer valid, the person is still a lawful permanent resident. However, a valid green card is necessary to avoid possible difficulties in obtaining employment, benefits, and re-entry to the U.S. after travel abroad.

Applications for a new green card may be made up to six months before the expiration date. Upon making the application, the lawful permanent resident will receive temporary evidence of their lawful status, in the form of a stamp in one’s passport, or, for those without a passport, in the form of a temporary picture ID. This temporary ID is to be used during the 10-12 months it takes the INS to produce a replacement green card.

Two renewal processes have been instituted, in person and by mail. To obtain a new green card in person, the applicant should complete Form I-90 "Application to Replace a Permanent Resident Card" and submit it along with the $110 filing fee, two photographs, and the expiring green card to their local INS office. Mail in applicants should include a photocopy of the front and back of their current green card rather than the card itself. Mail in procedures are currently available in New York, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, San Antonio and El Paso.

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Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk.