More Fraud-Proof ‘Green Card’ Due Soon, INS Says

The Immigration and Naturalization Service is poised to issue a more fraud-resistant version of the “green card,” officials said Tuesday, allowing tens of thousands of legal immigrants now waiting in line to obtain the much-prized document.

The INS has held off issuing new green cards to eligible immigrants for several months because of the anticipated release of the newer version, officials said.

The delay has prompted complaints from some eager to receive the documents, which have assumed ever-greater importance in recent years as officials cracked down on illegal immigration.

“Individuals should be able to prove that they are legally in the country as soon as possible,” said David Ross, a Los Angeles immigration attorney who said delays in receiving green cards have become routine, sometimes stretching for more than a year. “This is indicative of misplaced priorities within the INS.”

INS officials say it made no sense to issue cards that would soon be out of date when an improved version was on the way. Federal authorities plan to begin issuing the revamped green cards within two to six weeks, officials said.

“Transitioning from the old card to the new card takes time, and we think we have a card that’s going to be out in a matter of weeks,” said Eric Andrus, an INS spokesman in Washington. “This is the next step in our establishment of high technology, fraud-resistant documents.”

Green cards--the document now exists in a virtual rainbow of colors and has actually not been green for decades--demonstrate holders’ legal residence status. But the card is also an increasingly critical proof of eligibility for employment, public benefits and driver’s licenses. The new cards will be white with a green stripe, officials said.

The new card will include such high-tech features as a memory stripe that has the holder’s photograph, date of birth and signature embedded into it. INS inspectors at borders, airports and elsewhere will be able to swipe the card on an automated reader and review the data on a computer screen. The document also contains secret security features and holograms in an effort to thwart the now-widespread counterfeiting.

Immigrant advocates have long lambasted the INS for delays in issuing green cards and other essential documents.

“Every time the INS modifies its green card, it causes confusion and delays,” said Charles Wheeler, senior attorney with the Catholic Legal Immigration Network.

Some of those stuck in the green-card queue may even face losing their jobs. “A lot of our clients have been calling up saying their employers want to fire them unless they get their work permits or green cards,” said Ross.

Lacking green cards, those eligible for the documents must seek another kind of proof of permanent residence from the INS. Typically, many wait in line at INS offices to get stamps in their passports.

“There’s no need to panic about this,” said Andrus, the INS spokesman, who advised those experiencing delays to seek work-permit extensions from INS offices.

In coming weeks, the spokesman said, the agency would be embarking on a campaign to familiarize both immigrants and employers with the new green card. A 1986 law made the employment of illegal immigrants a federal crime. All U.S. employers must attempt to verify the legal status of new workers, checking green cards and other documents.

The new green cards will be phased in to new recipients and to current holders turning in expiring documents, Andrus said.