What is a “Green Card”?
A United States Permanent Resident Card (form I-551) is an identification card for a lawful permanent resident (LPR) who does not have U.S. citizenship. While the popular term is “Green Card”, the identification card is not green in color. The name comes from the fact that the card’s predecessor, form I-151 (Alien Registration Receipt Card), introduced at the end of WWII, was printed on green paper. Why do so many people want a “Green Card”? A “Green Card” gives one official immigration status (Lawful Permanent Residency) in the United States. It is proof that the holder has permission to conditionally reside and be employed in the U.S. The holder must maintain resident status by residing in the United States and can be removed if certain crimes are committed. Which government department issues Green Cards? The USCIS currently issues them. Formerly, “Green Cards” were issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). That agency has been absorbed into the U.S. Citizenship and
