On May 14, 2018, USCIS began recalling approximately 8,500 permanent resident cards ("green cards") due to a production error. The green cards were for approved Forms I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions of Residence, for spouses of U.S. citizens. The cards were printed with an incorrect "Resident Since" date and were mailed between February and April 2018.

USCIS said it was sending notices to individuals who received the incorrect green cards and to their attorneys of record, if any. The affected individuals should return their incorrect green cards to USCIS in the provided pre-paid envelope within 20 days of receiving the notice, or return their cards to USCIS field offices, USCIS said. USCIS will send replacement green cards within 15 days of receiving the incorrect card.

The recall does not affect these green card holders' status as lawful permanent residents. If affected individuals need to travel internationally or prove their lawful permanent residence while they wait for a replacement card, they may call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 to determine if they need additional proof, the agency said.

Spouses of U.S. citizens may apply for naturalization after three years of permanent residence and must meet other requirements. The incorrect date on these cards could lead applicants to wait longer than necessary to apply to become U.S. citizens, USCIS said.

The USCIS announcement is at https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-recall-incorrectly-dated-green-cards.

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