U.S. citizens are not required to carry anything within the U.S. unless you are driving a car, then you need to carry your driver's license. Obviously, any form of good identification SHOULD be carried in case of emergency, and it does make your life easier in so many ways. Especially if you want to cash a check where they do not know you, etc.
Lawful permanent residents over the age of 18 are required to carry their I-551 (green card) at all times.
Any other LEGAL aliens must produce evidence of status upon demand by legitimate law enforcement officials. The easiest way to comply here is to have it available at all times though it is not REQUIRED that it be carried. An example here is a visitor with passport, visa and I-94 form.
Then, there are the ILLEGALS... Since they are not accustomed to obeying the law, do not expect them to have any identification at all. If they do, it should not be implied that it is genuine. It cannot and should not be trusted.
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