Green Card (Permanent Residency)
What does "Green Card (Permanent Residency)" mean in law?
A green card, formally known as a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), grants a foreign national lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the United States, authorizing indefinite residence and employment. LPR status may be obtained through family-sponsored petitions, employment-based petitions, the diversity visa lottery, or as a derivative beneficiary, among other categories under the INA. Permanent residents enjoy most rights of citizens but cannot vote in federal elections and may be subject to removal if they commit certain criminal offenses or abandon their residency. LPR status is a prerequisite for naturalization, generally requiring five years of continuous residence (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
Definition
A green card, formally known as a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), grants a foreign national lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the United States, authorizing indefinite residence and employment. LPR status may be obtained through family-sponsored petitions, employment-based petitions, the diversity visa lottery, or as a derivative beneficiary, among other categories under the INA. Permanent residents enjoy most rights of citizens but cannot vote in federal elections and may be subject to removal if they commit certain criminal offenses or abandon their residency. LPR status is a prerequisite for naturalization, generally requiring five years of continuous residence (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
Example
After her employer files an I-140 immigrant petition and her priority date becomes current, a physician adjusts status to lawful permanent resident and receives a green card authorizing her to live and work permanently in the United States.