I have a green card which allows me to live and work in the U.S. I do not always carry it with me because I am afraid I might lose it. Even though my green card picture is on the card, I am worried someone might take it and try to get my green card benefits. I know other people who carry it with them, but I keep it in a lockbox in my apartment so nothing can happen to it. What are the green card rules? Isn’t my green card and green card information safest in my lockbox?
Answers (1)

Actually, while your green card may be safe in your lockbox, if you are questioned for any reason by police or immigration officials, you must have your original green card with you or you can be charged with a crime. The Immigration and Nationality Act, which defines Immigration Law in the United States, states “Every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration or alien registration receipt card issued to him.... Any alien who fails to comply with [these] provisions shall be guilty of a misdemeanor" and may be subject to fine and/or imprisonment upon each conviction.

It is wise to keep a copy of your green card and all other official documents of birth, and nationality in a safe place in case something should happen to your original and you need some sort of proof to get a new one. After you apply for a green card, you may have to wait to actually get your green card and you should carry your receipt and any other documentation that shows you have been approved for a green card and are merely awaiting the actual document.

http://www.usimmigrationlawyers.com/legal-advice/immigration-law/green-card/carry-with-me.htm

Yes, but its racist to demand that everybody carries ID. Only legal law abiding American citizens are required to carry ID, illegals get a free ride.

That is straight out of Immigration Law.

Posted by an Immigration Lawyer. That's how he makes his living. By getting folks Legal.

Damn! i feel like I'm in the immigration office


What's next finger prints? ... i'll show ya a finger

Actually, yes.

Immigration Applicants are fingerprinted.

Deportees are printed as well.

An Illegal risks being banned from applying for Immigration status for 10 years.

A real leader would sic the hounds on the Illegal and their employers.