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Heartland Alliance's National Immigrant Justice Center's experienced legal staff can speak about the legal ramifications of immigration laws, provide analysis of how immigration policies play out in immigrant communities, and help put reporters in touch with immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers who can provide a human face to stories about the U.S. immigration system.


NIJC Press contact:
Tara Tidwell Cullen

 


Home arrow General Immigration arrow Government's Plan to Renew Green Cards Puts Law-Abiding Immigrants at Risk

Government's Plan to Renew Green Cards Puts Law-Abiding Immigrants at Risk Print E-mail
Friday, 24 August 2007

greencard_cutout_small_3in.jpgRegulations proposed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will threaten the legal status of thousands of permanent residents in the United States.

The proposed rule would require lawful permanent residents who received green cards with no expiration date to apply for and pay for new cards. USCIS estimates that the rule will affect about 750,000 permanent residents who received their green cards between 1979 and 1989. If the proposed rule goes into effect in its current form, permanent residents would have only 120 days from the announcement of the final rule to apply for a replacement card. The proposed rule would require applicants, who received the old cards under previous rules that did not require an expiration date, to pay fees totaling $370 per person to obtain the new green cards.

 

In addition, after the 120 day period, USCIS proposes to terminate the validity of the older green cards that do not list an expiration date. 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.

 

"This course of action is unacceptable because it would put thousands of law-abiding U.S. residents at risk," said Mary Meg McCarthy, director of the National Immigrant Justice Center.

 

In order to effectively issue new secure green cards without endangering U.S. residents, the government must:

  • Extend the period of time allowed for permanent residents to renew their green cards.
  • Inform immigrant communities of the requirements and deadlines through an aggressive public education campaign.
  • Eliminate the renewal fees, which would be cost prohibitive to many immigrant families.

The proposed rule is subject to public comment until September 21, 2007.

 

The National Immigrant Justice Center, a partner of Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights, provides direct legal services to and advocates for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through policy reform, impact litigation, and public education.

 
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