The U.S. government proposed a new regulation yesterday that would require about 750,000 permanent residents who received their green card between 1979 and 1989 to reapply for a new green card.

Why? The green cards issued during that period did not contain expiration dates, and now U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) wants to add the dates to make the cards more secure. Unfortunately, under USCIS's current plan that security will come at a price for thousands of law abiding U.S. residents.

According to the USCIS announcement, not only will thousands of lawful permanent residents have to pay $370 to apply for and obtain a new card, but they will only have 120 days to do so after the regulation takes effect. At the end of the 120-day period, USCIS will terminate the validity of all the old green cards. While the government cannot terminate individuals’ permanent resident status without placing them in court proceedings, failing to hold a valid green card is a violation of law that may result in a fine or imprisonment.

USCIS must allow individuals much longer than 120 days to renew the cards, and should eliminate the fee, which could prevent some families from being able to reapply.

The proposed rule is subject to public comment until September 21, 2007 at www.regulations.gov.

Read more about NIJC's reaction to the proposed rule here.