In Chicago, a 60-year-old lawful permanent resident, Rueben Antonio Cruz, was fined $130 after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents discovered he wasn’t carrying his Green Card during a routine stop. While Cruz was not detained, his case has reignited attention on a long-ignored law that’s now being strictly enforced, according to reports by NBC Chicago and the Chicago Tribune.
“This is the second case I’ve seen in the last month (first involving a person with a Green Card) of a noncitizen criminally charged for failure to carry papers,” said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council. “It’s a law that’s been on the books for generations but virtually never used. Now Trump’s brought it back.”
What the Law Says?
Section 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) — in effect since 1940 — requires every non-U.S. citizen aged 18 or older to “at all times carry” proof of registration, usually a Green Card (Form I-551).
Violating this rule is a misdemeanor offense. While the original penalty was $100, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now interprets sentencing laws to allow fines of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to 30 days.
In March 2025, DHS reaffirmed this rule, stating clearly:
“Noncompliance is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than thirty days, or both.”
Why It’s Being Enforced Again
In January 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14159, instructing federal agencies to “faithfully execute the immigration laws.” This order removed previous flexibility in enforcement, leading to stricter checks across major cities.
By March, DHS and USCIS rolled out Form G-325R, a new online system allowing individuals who were never formally registered to complete the process and receive the documents they are required to carry.
The renewed enforcement effort — known as Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago — has already resulted in multiple fines for Green Card holders who failed to show proof of registration on the spot.
What This Means for Green Card Holders
If you are a lawful permanent resident aged 18 or older, you are legally required to carry your Green Card or valid registration proof with you at all times.
Failure to do so could result in fines, arrest, or even temporary detention.
Here’s what you should do right now:
Carry your Green Card at all times. Don’t leave home without it.
Check your card’s expiration date. Green Cards typically expire every 10 years.
If your card is expired, lost, or damaged — renew it immediately.
Avoid fines or legal trouble by staying compliant.
Renew Your Green Card Now
Lawful permanent residents must keep their immigration documents current and accessible. If your Green Card has expired or is about to expire, renew it now to stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Don’t wait until it’s too late — renew your Green Card today and stay protected.
