What is a “green card” and does it affect my citizenship?
The document often referred to as Green Card, or Alien Resident Card (ARC), or Alien Registration Receipt Card, is Form I-551. Form I-551 is a credit-card sized document issued to legal permanent residents (LPRs) of the United States. It is proof that the holder is authorized for employment and permanent residence in the U.S. Form I-551 is no longer green-colored but still widely called the “Green Card”. It does not affect your citizenship, and it does not mean you are an American citizen. More information on permanent resident card holders’ rights and responsibilities can be found at: www.uscis.gov.
