New Green Cards: What is different in the new Permanent Resident Cards and EADs?
The US will add security measures to Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). What is new about them, and when will they be sent?
The US Citizens and Immigration Services has announced details about the redesigned Permanent Resident Card, known more commonly as Green Cards. Federal law requires the agency to change the card’s design every few years to prevent fraud. The first batch was sent out on 30 January and will continue over the coming months.
What is different about the new Green Cards?
The new design changes are said to integrate “state-of-the-art technology” and “include:
- improved detailed artwork;
- tactile printing that is better integrated with the artwork;
- enhanced optically variable ink;
- highly secure holographic images on the front and back of the cards;
- a layer-reveal feature with a partial window on the back photo box; and
- data fields displayed in different places than on previous versions.”
USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou explained that the “redesign further demonstrates USCIS’ commitment to taking a proactive approach against the threat of secure document tampering, counterfeiting, and fraud.” In the USCIS press release announcing the changes, Director Jaddou complimented their staff for their innovative ideas to stop “bad actors” and “ensure the continued integrity of secure documents issued by our agency.”
Does this mean my old Green Card is invalid?
No. The validity of current cads will end on their expiration date, at which point, a redesigned version will be issued. Additionally, while some new cards were sent earlier this week, the USCIS does plan to deplete its “existing cardstock,” meaning If you applied for a card recently, you might receive the old version.
What if my card does not have an expiration date?
Older Green Cards may not have an expiration date, and these specific versions will remain valid. Nevertheless, the USCIS advises permanent residents to apply for a new version “to prevent fraud or tampering should the card ever get lost or stolen.”