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

• green-carder noun

Etymology

Origin of green card

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

He was detained by immigration authorities upon his release in November 2024, and his green card was revoked after an immigration judge ordered his deportation due to his felony conviction.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

Rubio also shared a statement on X, saying Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were "green card holders living lavishly in the United States".

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Soleimani Afshar became a green card holder in 2021 under the Biden administration, Bis said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

One plaintiff who sued, according to a court filing last year, is a Taiwanese woman with a student visa who had lived in the U.S. for 12 years and was applying for a green card.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

If you’re wealthy and can afford to do $500,000 or more in business in the United States, you can also be granted a green card.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi