USCIS Announces Newly Designed EAD and Permanent Resident Cards

On May 11, 2010, USCIS announced the redesign of the Permanent Resident Card (a.k.a. "greencard"). The new card boasts enhanced state-of-the-art technology including anti-fraud/anti-counterfeiting features, as well as other changes made in an effort to obstruct tampering and facilitate quick and accurate authentication of the card. Changes include shifting in ink color, holograms, laser-engraved fingerprints, optical media stores and other advanced biometric-related technologies. Furthermore, the new "greencard" is now actually green in color. The new card went into effect immediately and is being issued to newly-approved applicants as well as those applying for replacement/renewal cards. Samples of the new card are available on the USCIS website.

Moreover, less than two weeks after the new greencard announcement on May 26, 2010, USCIS unveiled the new Employment Authorization Document ("EAD card") as an additional measure to both verify the identities of those working in the U.S. and protect the American public from potential foreign threats. For specific information on the new EAD card, please see our GT Alert.