Lawful permanent residents in the United States have been issued a new warning by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): failure to carry immigration documentation at all times can result in federal misdemeanor charges and fines.
The advisory, posted by CBP on the social platform X, stressed compliance with Section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a long-standing statute that requires noncitizens aged 18 and older to carry their alien registration documentation — typically a green card — at all times.
“Failing to do so can lead to a misdemeanor and fines if you are stopped by federal law enforcement,” the CBP post warned. “If you are a non-citizen, please follow the laws of the United States of America.”
A Warning Amid Rising Immigration Enforcement
While the legal requirement is not new, immigration attorneys and advocacy groups note that the renewed public emphasis signals heightened enforcement under the administration of former President Donald Trump, who has resumed his push for mass deportations. The White House has reaffirmed that any individual residing in the country without legal authorization is subject to removal, and even green card holders may face scrutiny during enforcement operations.
Though green card holders are not the primary targets of removal efforts, numerous reports have emerged of lawful permanent residents being swept up in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, sometimes due to clerical errors or inability to immediately provide documentation.
Legal Ramifications and Statutory Authority
The legal foundation of CBP’s warning — INA Section 264(e) — makes it a federal misdemeanor for noncitizens to fail to carry valid proof of registration. The law applies to all lawful permanent residents, visa holders, and other documented immigrants.
Failure to comply can lead to arrest, fines, and even deportation proceedings in extreme cases. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), repeated failure to comply with documentation requirements may be considered grounds for removal or inadmissibility, particularly for those already involved in court proceedings.
Immigrant Rights Remain Intact
Despite the warning, green card holders retain key constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent and to request legal representation if detained.
Legal experts urge lawful permanent residents to know their rights, carry documentation when in public, and seek legal counsel immediately if detained.
Financial Pressures Mount for Immigrants in Court
In a parallel development, USCIS has instituted a new $1,050 filing fee for certain applications previously waived when filed in tandem with immigration court cases. The affected forms include:
- Form I-131 (used to request travel documents like advance parole)
- Form I-765 (application for employment authorization)
The new fee structure adds a significant financial burden for immigrants navigating removal or adjustment of status proceedings while awaiting lawful permanent residency.
Millions Affected Nationwide
According to the Office of Homeland Security Statistics, there were approximately 12.8 million lawful permanent residents living in the U.S. as of January 1, 2024.
With enforcement priorities shifting and administrative discretion playing a central role, even small compliance issues—like failing to carry a green card—can become serious legal liabilities.
Legal advocates stress the importance of carrying proper documentation, understanding one’s rights, and consulting with immigration counsel if any interaction with law enforcement occurs.
