A Cuban artist, known on social media as @benny_the_artist and residing in Florida, has issued a plea for help to retrieve his green card after misplacing his wallet on Monday at a gas station in the Wynwood area of Miami.
"Yesterday, I lost my wallet. Inside it, I had my cards, my license, and most importantly, my green card," he shared in a visibly distressed video posted on Instagram.
He recounted that he likely lost the wallet at a Wynwood gas station. Initially, the artist chose not to cancel his bank cards, holding out hope that someone might find and return his belongings.
Unfortunately, that same evening, someone attempted to use one of his cards, prompting him to cancel them all.
Now, he insists that money is not the primary concern; his focus is on retrieving his driver's license and, above all, his U.S. permanent residency card.
"Man, the address is on the card, damn it. If you have any conscience left to help me, damn it, send me the green card and the license," he pleaded to whoever might have his documents.
The Cuban artist emphasized that the bank cards are now blocked and directly appealed to the goodwill of the person who found the wallet.
"I don't care; the cards are blocked, they're useless now. I still have faith in humanity," he stated.
"I'm a little desperate," the artist candidly explained his reasons for carrying such an important document as the green card.
A Closer Look at Immigration Concerns
"You know how things are, how the immigration situation is, so unfortunately, I had to carry it with me," he noted.
Federal law requires permanent residents over 18 to carry their residency card. Losing it does not mean losing immigration status, but it does necessitate going through the process to replace it.
The USCIS advises that those who lose their green card should apply for a new one using Form I-90, which can be submitted online or by mail.
The artist's appeal comes at a time of heightened concern over immigration issues within the Cuban community in the United States, marked by policy changes and an increase in detentions of Cuban migrants by ICE.
In this instance, the artist has not reported being asked for money in exchange for the return of his documents. He remains hopeful that the person holding the wallet will choose to send it to the address listed on the items.
"If someone, damn it, could help me, I don't know what to do. I'm a bit, a little desperate," he concluded.
The post has garnered over 700 reactions and numerous messages of support from followers, wishing him success in recovering his documents.
The green card is one of the most crucial immigration documents for Cubans living in the U.S. Stay updated on residency, procedures, and news in our Immigration in the U.S. section.
Key Information on Green Card and Residency
What should I do if I lose my green card?
If you lose your green card, you must apply for a replacement by filing Form I-90 with the USCIS. This can be done online or by mail.
Does losing a green card affect my immigration status?
No, losing your green card does not affect your immigration status. However, you are required to replace it to comply with federal law.