WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is warning lawful permanent residents and other non-citizens to always carry proof of their immigration status. The reminder comes as federal immigration enforcement increases nationwide. CBP posted the alert on X, reminding non-citizens that failing to carry proper documentation could lead to misdemeanor charges and fines.
“Always carry your alien registration documentation. Not having these when stopped by federal law enforcement can lead to a misdemeanor and fines,” CBP wrote.
The legal requirement is based on Section 1304(e) of Title 8 of the U.S. Code. The law states that all non-citizens age 18 and older must carry their alien registration card—commonly known as a green card—at all times. “Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him,” CBP reiterated in a follow-up post.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also confirmed the rule. On its website, the agency says failure to comply could affect an individual’s immigration status. Legal experts note that while green card holders must carry ID, they still have the right to remain silent and request a lawyer if detained. The reminder follows renewed immigration crackdowns under President Donald Trump. His administration has pledged to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Officials have said that anyone in the country without legal status may be detained and removed.
However, enforcement actions have at times affected more than just undocumented immigrants. In recent months, lawful residents and visa holders have also been caught in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Immigration advocates have expressed concern about these detentions. They say some lawful permanent residents were held despite having valid paperwork. Advocates warn that the situation may violate due process rights and lead to civil rights abuses. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem also emphasized the need for non-citizens to carry their documents.
“All non-citizens 18 and older must carry this documentation at all times,” she said in an April statement. “The administration has directed the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize enforcement. There will be no sanctuary for non-compliance.”
Vice President JD Vance added in March that green card holders do not have an automatic right to stay in the U.S. permanently. He warned that non-citizens may be removed at the administration’s discretion if they break federal rules.
In addition to stricter enforcement, USCIS has introduced new fees for certain immigration applications. Form I-131, used to apply for travel documents like advance parole, and Form I-765, used for work permits, now cost $1,050 when filed in immigration court. These forms were previously free.
The new fees place a higher financial burden on many immigrants, especially those going through legal proceedings. Critics say the added costs may prevent some individuals from maintaining legal status or traveling lawfully. The latest enforcement efforts could also impact the large Indian immigrant community in the U.S. Indians make up the second-largest group of immigrants in the country.
According to USCIS data from 2024, 49,700 Indian nationals became U.S. citizens that year. They accounted for 6.1% of all naturalizations, second only to Mexico’s 13.1%. With tens of thousands of Indians holding green cards, legal experts are advising them to carry proof of their status at all times to avoid legal trouble.
