U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced last week that it has made minor changes to the look of the Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), commonly known as the “Green Card.”  The new look of the Permanent Resident Card now features the DHS seal on the front and significantly mentions the “Department of Homeland Security” on the back. 

Changes to the Green Cards occurred because the agency ran out of Department of Justice cardstock used by the old Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).  USCIS has also added enhanced security features to the card.

USCIS began mailing the new Permanent Resident Card November 15 to qualified immigrants approved for either renewal of their card or for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident.  Those cards already in circulation remain valid until the expiration date listed on the card or until recalled by USCIS.  Permanent Resident Cards are issued by USCIS as evidence of a lawful permanent resident’s authorization to live and work in the United States.