United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has unveiled a new, more technologically advanced and secure Permanent Residence Card. The card, commonly known as the “Green Card,” authenticates an individual’s authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. The intention behind the redesign, which is a collaboration between USCIS and various Department of Homeland Security agencies, is to deter fraud and more quickly authenticate identification. USCIS contends the new card is “nearly impossible to reproduce.”

Highlights of the redesigned card (which, unlike the previous version, is colored green) include:

• stored biometric information;
• holographic images and laser-engraved fingerprints of the card holder;
• high resolution micro-images of every U.S. president and state flag;
• Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capability which allows border officials to read the card from a distance and compare it to data immediately; and
• a preprinted return address allowing found cards to be mailed to the USCIS

As of May 11, 2010, the redesigned cards will be issued to new permanent residents and to individuals renewing or replacing their green cards.