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News > USCIS Proposes to Require Green Card Holders w/o Exp. Dates to Obtain New

USCIS Proposes Rule to Require Holders of Green Cards Without Expiration Dates to Obtain New Cards

On August 22nd, USCIS published a proposed rule in the Federal Register which, if enacted, would require all Permanent Residents with indefinite-validity Green Cards to apply for new cards. This rule would affect persons who have been in possession of their "Green Cards" for between 17 and 30 years. The proposed rule appears to be in-line with other Department of Homeland Security initiatives attempting to tighten national security standards. The proposed rule would allow the USCIS to update and electronically store cardholders' biographic information and conduct background checks.

Although not required to file for new Green Cards yet, permanent residents, who would be affected if the rule is finalized, might choose to apply for a replacement card at this point in time. USCIS has stated that early applications would likely be processed more quickly than those processed after the rule is enacted, due to the large number of applications anticipated. According to the proposed rule, affected permanent residents would have a 120-day window in which to apply for new cards, once the final rule is enacted. Please contact your Hodgson Russ immigration attorney with any questions regarding this announcement.