There’s been much talk lately about U.S. citizenship and immigration, and what about Green Cards? How do they fit into the big picture?
A Green Card has an official name: a Permanent Resident Card. As a Green Card holder, you are allowed to live and work permanently in the United States.
A “Colorful” Chronology
Green Cards have an interesting, long history. Registration became a key aspect of the regular immigration process following the end of World War II. New arrivals would become registered upon arrival at a port of entry.
Under the new procedure, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) issued different registration documents to aliens regarding their admission status. For instance, visitors received an I-94c, temporary workers received an I-100a, and lawful permanent residents received a Form I-151, printed on green paper.
It was these small, green I-151s that immigrants quickly learned granted them security and the right to live and work in the U.S. All laws of the United States, the individual’s state of residence and local jurisdictions would protect a Form I-151 holder. It didn’t take long for people to use the phrase “Green Card” to represent the card itself and the Legal Permanent Resident Status it clearly conveyed.
Green Card Responsibilities
As a Permanent Resident, there are several responsibilities you must abide by:
- You are required to obey all laws of the United States and localities.
- You are required to file your income tax returns and report your income to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and state taxing authorities.
- You are expected to support the democratic form of government. However, as a Permanent Resident, you cannot vote in federal, state or local elections.
- If you are a male aged 18 through 25, you are required to register with the Selective Service.
A Multi-Process Step
Applying for a Green Card involves several steps. You can apply for a Permanent Resident Card through family, employment, as a Special Immigrant, through refugee or asylum seeker status, through registry and other ways.
The general application process entails these actions:
Someone usually needs to sponsor or petition on your behalf. In some instances, you may be eligible to file for a Green Card yourself.
After U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves the immigrant petition, and a visa is available in your category, you have two options: You can file a Green Card application with USCIS or file a visa application with the U.S. Department of State.
Next, you are required to attend a biometrics appointment to collect your fingerprints, photographs and signature.
Then, depending on your case, you could be granted an interview or, in some instances, a direct approval of your application. If an interview is required, you will be notified by USCIS with a specific date, time, and location.
The final step will be receiving a decision on your application. It’s not unusual for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to take several weeks or longer to issue an approval. The department may also request more evidence or issue a denial.
If approved, you will receive your Green Card in the mail.
Green Card Update: Pause and Review
On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the Trump Administration issued this important message:
The United States is pausing all pending immigration applications from 19 “countries of concern.” Even applicants with pending green card applications will be subject to a pause and review. The ruling follows the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C.
