USCIS discontinues printed guide for new US Green Card holders

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has discontinued its practice of providing printed welcome guides to individuals newly granted permanent resident status, commonly known as Green Cards. Instead, the agency is directing recipients to access orientation materials through its official website.

The shift away from physical documentation comes as part of broader digitalisation efforts within the agency. USCIS officials maintain that all necessary information for new Green Card holders is readily available through their online portal, where applicants can find details about rights, responsibilities, and available benefits.

However, the decision has sparked concern among immigration advocacy groups and experts who point out potential accessibility issues. Not all Green Card recipients have reliable internet access or digital literacy, particularly among older applicants or those from countries with limited technological infrastructure.

For Indian citizens seeking permanent residency in the United States, the change means they will need to navigate digital resources to understand their new status and obligations. The USCIS website provides information in multiple languages, though availability varies by region and topic.

The agency has not announced plans to revert to printed materials, suggesting the online-only approach is likely to remain the standard going forward. Immigration attorneys recommend that applicants save or print relevant documents from the USCIS website for future reference.