25th ILWU Convention —continued from page 1

Membership meetings will be held to give members a report of what happened at the Convention and to ratify the Convention actions. A secret ballot vote is required to approve the dues increase and constitutional amendments.

Do You Have a “Green Card”?

If you were born in another country and are in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident, you know what a “green card” is. A green card allows an immigrant to live and work in the U.S. legally. But since 1989, a green card must be renewed every ten years.

Unfortunately, some workers are being reminded about this reality when their expired green cards prevent them from continuing to work. In some cases, it’s because the worker is applying for a new job. In other cases, it’s because the worker’s current company is being taken over by new management which requires all employees to re-apply.

By law, all employers are required to complete an I-9 form within three business days of hiring anyone. The form requires the employer to verify the prospective employee’s authorization to work in the U.S. by reviewing documents that establish identity and work authorization. All documents must be unexpired.

If you are not a U.S. citizen but are a lawful permanent resident with a green card, check the front of your green card to see if it has an expiration date. You should file an I-90 form to renew your green card six months before the expiration date. The fee is $370, including fingerprinting.

You will not lose your permanent resident status if your green card is expired, but you may have difficulty getting a new job without a valid green card. Also, you should carry your green card with you at all times. So be sure to renew your green card before the expiration date.