Washington, D.C., July 2025 — The United States government has issued a strict advisory to all non-citizens, including green card holders and visa holders, urging them to carry their registration documents at all times or risk facing legal penalties. The warning comes from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which cites federal immigration law requiring every non-citizen aged 18 or older to carry proof of their immigration status.
The advisory, rooted in Section 1304(e) of Title 8 of the U.S. Code, mandates that every non-citizen must keep their certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card (Green Card, Form I-551) on their person at all times. Failure to do so could result in a misdemeanor charge and fines, especially if stopped by federal law enforcement.
“Always carry your alien registration documentation. Not having these when stopped by federal law enforcement can lead to a misdemeanor and fines,” CBP stated in a public message on the social media platform X.
This advisory holds significant relevance for the millions of immigrants legally residing in the U.S., particularly the large Indian-American community. According to 2024 data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 49,700 Indians were naturalized, making up 6.1% of all new American citizens. This places India second only to Mexico, which accounted for 13.1% of naturalizations.
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While lawful permanent residents are not required to carry a passport for reentry into the U.S., a physical Green Card — not a digital copy or photo — is legally required to be on hand at all times within the country. Additional documents such as passports or visas may still be needed when traveling abroad or for identification in certain domestic situations.
In April, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reinforced the regulation, stating, “All non-citizens 18 and older must carry this documentation (registration proof) at all times. The administration has directed the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize enforcement. There will be no sanctuary for non-compliance.”
Adding to the federal tone, Vice President JD Vance remarked earlier this year that green card holders “do not have an indefinite right to stay” and may be subject to deportation at the administration’s discretion.
The CBP’s reminder is a timely one, especially as immigration enforcement policies continue to evolve. Non-citizens are strongly urged to comply with documentation laws to avoid complications with federal authorities. The message is clear: registration documents are not optional — they are a legal necessity for anyone residing in the U.S. without citizenship.
For lawful permanent residents and visa holders alike, this advisory serves as an important reminder to stay informed, stay prepared, and above all, stay compliant with U.S. immigration law.