如果您是持有1979年前發的美國綠卡者,
看到這篇聯合報報導時,可能會想說您努力得來的美國永久居留權就報銷了而嘆息時,請不要灰心,其實沒有那麼嚴重,請閱讀以下的資訊:

1. 如果我綠卡過期了,我會失去美國永久居留權的身份嗎?
A:不會的,如果你的綠卡過期了,你不會失去你的身份,,但是根據法律,你需要隨身帶有證明你身份的證據(例:有效沒過期的綠卡,或是申請補發時所給的臨時證明)

擷至 FAQs on Expiring Green Cards:
Will I lose my permanent resident status if I do not renew my Green Card?

No, you will not lose your permanent resident status if you do not renew your Green Card–your permanent resident status will not expire or change. However, you are required by law to carry evidence of your status/registration (e.g. a valid, unexpired Green Card or the temporary proof of status you receive at the time of filing to renew your Green Card.)

2. 如果我不去更新綠卡,會有什麼後果呢?
A:當你不去更新綠卡,在申請新的工作,或是社會補助,還是重新入境美國時,你可能會遭遇困難.

擷至 FAQs on Expiring Green Cards:
What will happen if I do not renew my expiring Green Card?

If you fail to renew your expiring card, you may experience difficulties in obtaining employment, benefits and re-entry into the United States from abroad.

3. 那請問如果我身在國外,綠卡過期了,那要如何更新綠卡呢?
A: 如果綠卡過期時,您剛好身處國外,而您離開美國時,又沒有申請更新,
在填取I-90表格來更新I-551卡(綠卡)之前,請通知最近的美國領事館,移民局分處,或是入境機場\港口.

擷至美國移民局的How Do I Renew My Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)?:
What If I am Outside of the United States?

If you are outside the United States, and your permanent resident card will expire within six months, (but you will return within one year of your departure from the United States and before the card expires), you should file for your renewal card as soon as you return to the United States.

If you are outside of the United States at the time of the card’s expiration, and you have not applied for the renewal card prior to your departure, you should contact the nearest American Consulate, USCIS office, or Port of Entry, before attempting to file Form I-90 for a renewal I-551 card.

For more information on USCIS office locations, see the Field Offices page. For information on filing fees, see filing fees, fee waiver request procedures, and the fee waiver policy memo.

所以還有效哦,請您好好把握持有美國永久居留權的權力,不要輕易地浪費辛苦得來的身份.