USCIS Redesigns Green Card and Employment Authorization Document to Safeguard National Security, Prevent Fraud


On Jan. 30, 2023, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a redesign of Permanent Resident Cards (green cards) and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).  

The USCIS routinely updates these cards to combat fraud, counterfeiting, and tampering. This round of modifications includes, according to the agency, “improved detailed artwork; tactile printing that is better integrated with the artwork; enhanced optically variable ink; highly secure holographic images on the front and back of the cards; a layer-reveal feature with a partial window on the back photo box; and data fields displayed in different places than on previous versions.” The last update occurred in 2017.

The new cards started being issued after Jan. 30; however, some cards may still display the previous design due to the USCIS’ existing supplies. Both versions of the cards will continue to be acceptable for Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification; E-Verify; and Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE), until the expiration of the card.

Permanent Resident Card (2023) front and back

Permanent Resident Card 2023

Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Permanent Resident Card (2017) front and back

Permanent Resident Card 2017

Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Employment Authorization Document (2023) front and back

Employment Authorization Document 2023

Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Employment Authorization Document (2017) front and back

Employment Authorization Document 2017

Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services


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National Law Review, Volume XIII, Number 108