Legal definition of Alien document number :
The Alien Document Number, also known as the card number, is an important identifier for green card holders. This number, consisting of a combination of approximately 13 letters and numbers, is printed on the front of the green card. It is used to identify the green card, making it a crucial piece as it enables verification of the green card’s authenticity and validity.
This number is often required when applying for employment, accessing social benefits, or any other administrative process requiring presentation of the green card. It is also used by immigration authorities to track the activities of green card holders and ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations.
To better understand the meaning of the term Alien Document Number, it is essential to distinguish it from the Alien Number or A-Number. While both numbers may have similar formats, their purposes differ. The Alien Number is a unique identifier assigned to a non-citizen by the Department of Homeland Security, whereas the Alien Document Number specifically identifies an individual’s green card. The differences between the two lie in their usage, assignment, and format, as illustrated below:
- Usage : The Alien Number is used to track an individual’s immigration journey and is required in various immigration-related procedures and applications. In contrast, the Alien Document Number is primarily used to identify the green card and verify its authenticity and validity.
- Attribution : The Alien Number is assigned by the Department of Homeland Security during the individual’s immigration file creation, whereas the Alien Document Number is specifically assigned to the green card by the USCIS during the green card issuance.
- Format: The Alien Number is typically a combination of digits starting with the letter “A,” making it shorter and more concise. Conversely, the Alien Document Number is a combination of letters and digits, usually longer, allowing for more specific identification of the green card.