green card

American  

noun

1. an official card, originally green, issued by the U.S. government to foreign nationals permitting them to work in the U.S.

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green card British  

noun

1. an official permit allowing the holder permanent residence and employment, issued to foreign nationals in the US

2. an insurance document covering motorists against accidents abroad

3. social welfare (in Britain) an identification card issued by the Manpower Services Commission to a disabled person, to show registration for employment purposes and eligibility for special services See also handicap register registered disabled

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• green-carder
  noun

Etymology

Origin of green card

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Joel feared he would be detained and deported even though he had a pending immigration case as he sought to obtain a green card.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

District Judge John McConnell said the restrictions on processing of asylum, work permit, green card and citizen applications from nationals of 39 African, Asian, Latin American and Middle Eastern countries were unlawful.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

“People are asking me, ‘Can we still apply?,’ and I think the most important thing is, yes, people can still apply for a green card within the United States if they’re eligible.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

But if immigrants who were present in the U.S. unlawfully leave, they could face anywhere from a three-year to a lifetime ban on returning, putting a green card out of reach.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

There was a good chance that after I'd lived with them for a few days, they would beg my parents to allow them to adopt me...and then I'd get a green card in no time.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi