From: ndallen@r-node.io.org (Nigel Allen) Newsgroups: alt.visa.us Subject: INS to replace old green cards Date: 27 Nov 1993 17:59:54 -0500 Here is a press release from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. I downloaded the press release from the PR Online BBS in Maryland at (410) 363-0834. I do not work for the U.S. government. INS Proceeds With Alien Card Replacement Program To: National Desk Contact: Verne Jervis, Duke Austin or Rick Kenney, 202-514-2648, all of the Immigration and Naturalization Service WASHINGTON, Nov. 24 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is proceeding with its program to replace alien registration receipt cards ("green cards") that carry the form number I-151. INS will replace these old cards, issued before 1978, with the Form I-551, a more sophisticated, counterfeit-resistant document that includes the fingerprint and signature as well as the card holder's photograph, name, and biographical data. INS announced the card replacement program in the Federal Register on Sept. 20, 1993, by publishing the rule change establishing the expiration date of Sept. 20, 1994, for the old Form I-151 and designating the Form I-551 as the exclusive "green card" for the use of all lawful permanent resident aliens in the United States. The rule change also includes a new section (8 CFR 264.5) that spells out application procedures for replacing the card. The Federal Register notice preceded a court decision on Nov. 5, 1993, that affirmed the validity of the new card replacement program. In the case of Espindola vs. INS, a class action lawsuit that halted the previous "Operation Green Card" on procedural grounds last May, U.S. District Judge Edward J. Garcia decided at a hearing in Sacramento, Calif., that INS could proceed with the new program without having to refund fees paid under the old program. That decision enables INS to proceed with plans to publicize the new program and begin an extensive outreach effort to insure that all resident aliens carrying old I-151s can understand and comply with the requirement to replace them. Aliens who had completed the application requirements for new cards under the earlier replacement program, and paid the $70 fee, will not be required to reapply. Their applications will be processed in the order they were received and their new cards will be sent by mail to the address on their applications. Those whose applications were returned because of the previous court injunction may now resubmit them. Other holders of the old Form I-151 cards, who have not yet applied for the replacement, will be able to get basic information, and to request an application (Form I-90) package for the new card, by calling the INS toll-free number (800-755-0777). This automated information line is open to the public 24 hours a day. After the applicants complete the forms and obtain proper photographs, they must bring them in person to the INS office that serves their area and pay the application fee of $70. The photos are usually prepared by commercial firms that specialize in such services. Many of these firms are located in or near the same buildings as the immigration offices. Applicants who cannot afford the fee may request a fee waiver, and applicants whose advanced age or physical disability prevent them from traveling to an INS office may request special assistance in completing the requirements for the new card. INS outreach personnel will try to meet special needs of applicants on a case-by-case basis. The purpose of the card replacement program is to remove from circulation all older "green cards" that are less fraud resistent and to provide all resident aliens with a secure document that is universally recognized as evidence of their status. -30- From: ae446@Freenet.carleton.ca (Nigel Allen) Newsgroups: alt.visa.us,misc.legal,alt.activism Subject: Court orders INS to terminate "green card" replacement program, refund fees charged Message-ID: Date: 28 May 93 02:09:35 GMT I downloaded the following Immigration and Naturalization Service press release from the PR Online BBS (Pikesville, MD) at 410-363-0834. INS Terminates "Green Card" Replacement Program To: National Desk Contact: Verne Jervis or Duke Austin, 202-514-2648, both of the Immigration and Naturalization Service WASHINGTON, May 27 -- The Immigration and Naturalization Service has terminated its replacement program for I-151 alien identification cards, commonly known as "green cards," as directed by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, it was announced today, INS will no longer accept applications to replace a card unless it is for specific reasons described in regulations, which are not subject to the court order. These include: to replace a lost or mutilated card, to change a name (such as after marriage), or to correct a card that contains errors. The court also ordered INS to refund the $70 charged for replacement of cards under the program. Refund information will be announced when the refund procedure is determined. INS launched the program to replace old green cards, generally those issued before 1978, with more secure ones that include the owner's fingerprint and signature. Old cards not containing those elements were to expire on Aug. 1. Persons who have already obtained a card under the replacement program should retain both old and new cards until further notice. Applications recently accepted will be returned to the applicants, along with a notice that the program has been terminated by a court order. -30- -- Nigel Allen, Toronto, Ontario, Canada ae446@freenet.carleton.ca