Part of an employer’s job is to review I-9 documentation at the start of employment, including Green Cards. But for employers, knowing what is real vs. fake, can be an issue.  My colleagues have prepared this update to one form of documentation that you should be on the lookout for.  The change is happening sooner than you might think.  

Understanding USERRA

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) just announced a redesign to the Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as the Green Card, and the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as part of the Next Generation Secure Identification Document Project. Although USCIS will begin issuing the new cards on May 1, 2017, both existing and new cards will be valid until their expiration date.

The new designs use enhanced graphics and fraud-resistant security features so that the resulting cards are more tamper-resistant and secure than those currently in use.  The new card designs demonstrate USCIS’ commitment to continue taking active measures to reduce the threat of document tampering and fraud. They are also part of an ongoing collaborative effort among USCIS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enhance document security and deter counterfeiting and fraud.

The Redesigned Cards

The new Green Cards and EADs will display the individual’s photo on both sides. In addition, there will be unique graphic images and color palettes (Green Cards will bear an image of the Statue of Liberty on a predominantly green palette and EAD cards will display an image of a bald eagle on a predominantly red palette).  Each will have embedded holographic images and neither will display the individual’s signature anymore. Green Cards will no longer have an optical stripe on the back.

How To Tell If Your Card Is Valid

Some Green Cards and EADs issued after May 1, 2017 may still display the existing design format, as USCIS will continue using existing stock until current supplies are depleted. Both the existing and the new Green Cards and EADs will remain valid until the expiration date shown on the card.

Certain EADs held by individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other designated categories have been automatically extended beyond the validity date on the card. For additional information on which EADs are covered, please visit the Temporary Protected Status and American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act web pages on uscis.gov.

Both versions are acceptable for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, E-Verify, and Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE). Some older Green Cards do not have an expiration date at all–these dateless ones will remain valid. Individuals who have Green Cards without an expiration date, however, may want to consider applying for a replacement card bearing an expiration date, so as to reduce the likelihood of fraud or tampering if the card is ever lost or stolen.