U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently made updates to the Permanent Resident Cards (also known as Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) in order to enhance security and improve the overall experience for customers. The new designs will be implemented starting January 30, 2023.
Features of the Upgraded Cards:
- Improved artwork with increased detail
- Tactile printing that blends seamlessly with the artwork
- Enhanced optically variable ink
- Highly secure holographic images on the front and back of cards
- Layer-reveal feature with a partial window on the back photo box
- Data fields are located in different places than in previous versions
These upgrades are a testament to USCIS’ commitment to staying ahead of the game when it comes to document tampering, counterfeiting, and fraud. USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou stated, “Through consistent updates informed by the latest methods of bad actors and the innovation and expertise of our staff, we can ensure the continued integrity of secure documents issued by USCIS.”
Please note that current Green Cards and EADs will still be valid until their expiration date. Cards issued after January 30, 2023, may still display the old design until the existing cardstock is depleted. Both versions of the cards are accepted for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, E-Verify, and Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE). Older Green Cards without an expiration date are still valid, but USCIS encourages applicants to apply for a replacement card to prevent fraud or tampering in the case of loss or theft.
The current cards were first introduced in May 2017, and USCIS updates the designs every three to five years as part of their Secure Identification Platform (SIP) Project. The SIP Project, which started in 2019, involved extensive market research and meetings with key industry leaders to learn best practices.
Stay Vigilant Against Fraud
In order to protect against fraud, USCIS has a Scams, Fraud, and Misconduct page that provides information on how to avoid and report scams. Stay informed and take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of your documents.
New USCIS Green Card and EAD Designs: A Reason Behind Delayed Replacements?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently announced new designs for Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) with improved security features. The agency will start issuing these newly designed cards on January 30, 2023. The new designs include several state-of-the-art security features such as detailed artwork, secure holographic images, a layer-reveal feature, and data fields displayed in different places.
However, with the introduction of these new designs, many speculate that this may be one reason for the delayed processing times for green card replacements. USCIS has been facing criticism for long wait times for replacements and renewals, with many applicants reporting wait times of several months. The agency has been working to reduce processing times, but the introduction of new designs may have added to the workload, causing further delays.
It is important to note that USCIS has not officially confirmed this as the reason for the delays. The agency is working to improve processing times and provide efficient service to its customers. In the meantime, applicants are encouraged to check their case status regularly and reach out to USCIS if there are any concerns about their application.
Overall, the new USCIS Green Card and EAD designs are a positive step toward improving the security of these important documents.
