Production of the New Green Card
Posted Sep 21, 1998

Green cards are now being produced at each of the four INS Service Centers, rather than at one card facility. Inquiries regarding late cards must be directed to the appropriate Center serving one's area. For persons who obtained immigrant visas abroad and entered on those visas, all cards are being produced at the Texas Service Center.

Unfortunately, card production is on hold for permanent residents who applied to replace or update their previously issued cards, due to software and quality control problems.

We are often asked and the Law Office of Sheela Murthy points out that it is not necessary to have the card in hand to be considered a permanent resident. As long as the stamp indicating that adjustment of status is complete and the "Temporary Evidence of Lawful Permanent Residence: I-551 Pending" stamp in the passport is current, the person can travel abroad and reenter the U.S. There is no need to have or to hold the physical card to be considered a "green card" holder!