Occasionally a Green Card is never received even though the replacement or renewal application was approved and the Green Card was issued by the USCIS. There are several possible reasons why an individual has not received their Green Card, including errors in shipping or even theft. It is important that the green card holder is pro-active and tries to resolve the problem as soon as possible. When a green card or permanent resident card is not received, it is especially important to take the necessary steps as quickly as possible to ensure the green card is not stolen and misused. Identity theft is a major concern in the United States that causes a lot trouble for the unfortunate victims.

At all times, Green card holders need to be able to prove their legal status in the United States. There have been a number of immigration checkpoints and raids in different cities. In general, consequences of not being able to prove your legal status include deportation. However, it is unlikely that a legal green cardholder who is simply missing his or her green card will be deported, but he or she will most likely, at a minimum, have to go through a thorough identification process and face fines.

When a Green Card is never received, there are certain procedures to follow in order to get a new one issued. It is important to be aware of the application timelines and process so you are aware of when you should receive your green card, and report it missing if necessary. For more information about how to request a new green card or how to report a stolen Green Card, download the Green Card Replacement Application Guide.