The way the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is working to reduce visa wait times in India and upgrade the security features of Green Cards, it seems that the federal agency has regained its pre-pandemic tempo. Recently, USCIS announced details of the security upgrade to Green Card and EAD redesigns. Reportedly, the redesigned cards started to be issued starting January 30, 2023.
The new Green Card design and the redesign of Employment Authorization Documents are secured against counterfeiting with state-of-the-art technology. Redesigned last in May 2017, the cards need a new design with enhanced security features every three to five years in a bid to mitigate fraud and safeguard national integrity. The 2023 redesign of Permanent Resident cards and EADs substantiates USCIS’ delivery of its commitment towards maintaining top security standards through consistent updates.
The front of the redesigned Green Card displays updated artwork for the Statue of Liberty and features new tactile printing that is better integrated with the artwork. The cardholder’s fingerprint is no longer on the front of the card in the new design. Data fields are displayed in different places on the front than in the previous designs. The front and back of the new Green Card design have highly secure holographic images with optically enhanced variable ink. Furthermore, the security upgrades of Green Card redesign 2023 include a layer reveal feature with a partial window on the back photo.
USCIS made it clear that the launch of the new designs does not render the existing cards invalid. Rather, the cards in use will continue to be valid until their expiration date. Some Permanent Resident cards and EADs, though issued after the redesign launch on January 30, may have the old design as USCIS continues to use the existing cardstock and supplies until they are used up. Both designs of the cards – the old and the new – will be accepted for Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification), E-Verify, and Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE).
Some Green Cards with the old design do not have an expiration date. Those cards are also valid for use. USCIS recommends lawful permanent residents (LPRs) should consider applying for the new version, as their cards have risks of being tempered or counterfeited if lost or stolen. Green Card and EAD redesign is part of the Secure Identification Platform project.
