green card

American  

noun

green cards plural

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• green cards
  plural

Etymology

Origin of green card

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

She was marrying Chip for a green card.

From Salon • Jun. 30, 2026

"We're still a little scared," Aliah, who has a green card, told the BBC.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

Without a permanent green card, it is harder for legal permanent residents “to work, open bank accounts, secure housing, obtain health insurance, and enroll in school,” Jackson noted.

From Slate • Jun. 23, 2026

They were also dismayed and confused by the news that green card applicants would possibly have to leave the country.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Even after the relief of getting a green card or becoming an American citizen, it’s easy to channel my days as an “illegal alien” and feel the anxiety all over again.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi