Federal law says noncitizens 18 or older must carry proof of their registration with them at all times. A violation is a crime that can mean a fine. Proof includes:
Green card holders: your green card.
Visa holders: your I-94 (a printout, or the record shown on your phone).
People with a work permit (EAD): the card.
People who registered with USCIS on Form G-325R: the proof USCIS gave you.
USCIS says showing it on a phone or other device can count. A printed copy in your wallet is a good backup.
Your state ID or driver's license, once you have it.
Your status proof from the list above.
A bank card and a little cash.
Keep at home, in one safe folder
Passport (carry it when you fly, open a bank account or need it for ID).
Social Security card. Do not carry it. Learn the number by heart.
Birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, translations.
I-20 or DS-2019, I-797 approval notices, EAD history, old I-94s.
Tax returns and pay stubs.
A small fireproof and waterproof box is useful. Tell one family member where it is.
Scan or photograph every page of your passport with stamps, your visa, I-94 and every immigration document.
Save them in a password-protected cloud folder and email them to yourself.
Keep one paper copy separate from the originals.
Copies help you replace a lost document much faster. But most offices want the original when you apply in person. Bring originals plus one copy.
Carrying the passport every day and losing it.
Leaving all originals in a car.
Throwing away old I-94s, I-20s and approval notices. You may need your full history for a green card or citizenship later.