WASHINGTON — The U.S. government rolled out on Tuesday a redesigned Permanent Resident Card, popularly known as Green Card, that includes additional security measures.
“State-of-the-art technology incorporated into the new card prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication,” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said in a news release announcing the new version, which will be the standard for all cards issued from now on.
“Redesigning the Green Card is a major achievement for USCIS,” Director Alejandro Mayorkas said. “The new security technology makes a critical contribution to the integrity of the immigration system.”
The revamped Green Card includes biometric data, holographic images, laser-engraved fingerprints and high resolution micro-images that make it “nearly impossible to reproduce” and more difficult to alter if stolen, USCIS said.
And the newly-added radio frequency identification feature will allow Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry to scan the card from a distance and check it against data on file, the official news release said.
The new Permanent Residence Card also marks a return to the green color of the original. Current Green Card holders will receive the updated version on the occasion of renewal or replacement, USCIS said.The Permanent Resident Card granted to foreign-born residents who apply to live permanently in the U.S. has been redesigned and now includes numerous safety features that will make counterfeiting and immigration fraud nearly impossible.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today the new document incorporates advanced technology which will prevent tampering and will allow swift verification. One of the modifications to the card is its color, change intended to aid quick visual recognition for immigration agents.
The document commonly known as the “Green Card”, has been issued in a variety of colors over the years, and this time it honors its nickname: it’s officially green again. As of May 11th, USCIS will issue all Green Cards in the new, more secure format.
“Redesigning the Green Card is a major achievement for USCIS,” said Director Alejandro Mayorkas. “The new security technology makes a critical contribution to the integrity of the immigration system.”
Other features of the redesign include secure optical media which stores biometric information, holographic images, laser engraved fingerprints, and high resolution micro-images that make the card nearly impossible to reproduce. Also, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capability will allow customs officers to read the card from a distance, for verification in official databases.
Current Green Cards with the old design will be substituted with the new ones as individuals apply for renewal or replacement.(LA Border and Immigration Examiner/IM)