Legal Definitions - Alien Registration Card (ARC)

The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is the official identification document issued by the U.S. government to individuals who have been granted lawful permanent resident status in the United States. This card serves as proof of an individual's right to live and work permanently in the U.S. It is more commonly known as a Green Card or Permanent Resident Card.

Here are a few examples illustrating the use of an Alien Registration Card:

• Example 1: International Travel
  After visiting her family in another country, Maria, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., arrives at a U.S. port of entry. To re-enter the United States, she presents her Alien Registration Card to the Customs and Border Protection officer. This card immediately identifies her as a permanent resident with the legal right to reside in the U.S. and allows for her smooth re-entry.

• Example 2: Employment Verification
  David, who recently obtained his lawful permanent resident status, applies for a new job at a technology company. During the hiring process, the company's human resources department asks for documents to verify his eligibility to work in the U.S. David presents his Alien Registration Card, which is accepted as valid proof of his permanent authorization to be employed in the United States.

• Example 3: Obtaining State Identification
  Elena, a new lawful permanent resident, moves to a new state and needs to apply for a state driver's license. At the Department of Motor Vehicles, she is required to provide proof of her legal presence in the U.S. She presents her Alien Registration Card, which the DMV accepts as official documentation of her lawful permanent resident status, allowing her to proceed with her driver's license application.