WASHINGTON — The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (U.S.C.I.S.) has redesigned the Permanent Resident Card, or “Green Card”, to include several major new security features, the American Meat Institute (A.M.I.) announced.

New features, such as holographic images, laser-engraved fingerprints and high-resolution micro-images, have been designed to prevent counterfeiting, obstruct tampering and facilitate quick and accurate authentication. Also, a radio frequency identification (R.F.I.D.) capability will now allow Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry to read the card from a distance and compare it immediately to file data. A preprinted return address will enable the easy return of a lost card to U.S.C.I.S.

Beginning May 12, U.S.C.I.S. began issuing all Green Cards in the new, more secure format. U.S.C.I.S. will replace Green Cards already in circulation as individuals apply for renewal or replacement.

In relation to the Permanent Resident Card’s nickname, it will now be colored green for easy recognition.

To view a sample image of the front of the new card, visit: http://www.meatami.com/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/59421