FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OSC FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1995 (202) 616-2765 TDD (202) 514-1888 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE EXTENDS VALIDITY OF OLD GREEN CARD FOR ONE MORE YEAR WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Form I-151, or so-called "green card," has been extended for a year, the Department of Justice announced today. It was due to expire March 20, 1995. The Department said employers cannot fire or refuse to hire any permanent resident who presents the card, which is now good through March 20, 1996. The Immigration and Naturalization Service said the extension, authorized Thursday, was made to ensure that lawful permanent residents will have acceptable identification until they receive new, counterfeit-resistant documents. The current I-151s were issued in 1979. William Ho-Gonzalez, Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices, said employers must continue to accept the old I-151 until next year. The Special Counsel enforces the antidiscrimination provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. "Even after March 20, 1996, employers should remember that although the documents expire, the status of these permanent residents does not change," said Ho-Gonzalez, "They are still eligible to work in the United States." Additionally, employers need not reverify or fill out a new Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9) for workers who previously presented the I-151 card. In order to assist employers in complying with the statute, OSC operates an "Employer Hotline" which gives callers accurate, and up-to-date information on completing the Form I-9, guidelines for fair hiring practices, penalties for discrimination and which documents are acceptable for I-9 purposes. The number is 1-800-255-8155 or (TDD) 1-800-362-2735. The hotline also offers a "fax-back" feature which allows callers to receive a hard-copy of the list of acceptable documents as well as information on INA's antidiscrimination provision. For further information write: Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices P.O. Box 27728 Washington, D.C. 20038-7728 ### 95-148