What is a permanent resident ("green card")?
| A lawful permanent
resident is an alien who has been granted an immigrant visa by a consular
office at the American embassy or consulate or has adjusted his or her
status to that of permanent resident with the United States Citizenship
and Immigration Services (formerly the Immigration and Naturalization
Service) in the United States. Furthermore, a lawful permanent resident
alien retains his own citizenship and subsequently upon naturalization can
become an American citizen.
A lawful permanent resident alien (commonly referred to as a ("green card holder") is issued a permanent resident card as evidence of his or her permanent resident status in the United States. In the 1940's, the permanent resident card was actually green in color, hence the term "green card" developed and continues to the present. Today's permanent resident card, is a high tech whitish colored card, containing magnetic properties and holograms. Nevertheless, the term "green card" has remained a term of art as used by immigration personnel, attorneys and others. |