green card / lawful permanent residence (LPR)
Last updatedDefinition
A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, allows someone to live and work in the United States. A person who obtains a green card is a “green card holder” or “lawful permanent resident.”
While green card holders are called permanent residents, their status is not permanent and irrevocable — though some contain no expiration date, most green cards are valid for 10 years and have to be renewed at the end of that period. If a green card holder is out of the country for more than a year, or violates one of a number of exceptions, their residency can be revoked.
Some government correspondence will capitalize “Green Card,” but that is not common usage. Terms such as “green card marriage” are vague, contain assumptions about an individual’s situation, and can reinforce negative stereotypes.
Additional resources
- Green Card (US Citizenship and Immigration Services)
- Difference Between US Green Card vs. US Citizenship (Nolo)
Summary
A green card allows a person to live and work in the United States, conferring the status of lawful permanent residence. Terms such as “green card marriage” are vague, contain assumptions about an individual’s situation, and can reinforce negative stereotypes.