green card

noun

: an identity card attesting the permanent resident status of an alien in the U.S.
green-carder noun

Examples of green card in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web An immigrant who marries a U.S. citizen is generally eligible for a green card. Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 18 June 2024 The United States provides a straightforward path to a green card and citizenship for immigrants who enter the country lawfully and end up marrying an American. Miriam Jordan, New York Times, 11 June 2024 Data from the immigration advocacy group FWD.us found that 22 million people in the U.S. live in a mixed-status household where at least one undocumented person lives with U.S. citizens, green card holders or other lawful residents. Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 23 May 2024 If all went accordingly, Ayman and Mona would receive green cards within three months of their arrival and siblings under 21 years old within one to two years after that. Violet Ikonomova, Detroit Free Press, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for green card 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'green card.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from the fact that it was formerly colored green

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of green card was in 1956

Dictionary Entries Near green card

Cite this Entry

“Green card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20card. Accessed 28 Jun. 2024.

Legal Definition

green card

noun
: an identity card attesting the permanent resident status of an alien in the U.S.
Etymology

from the fact that it was formerly colored green

More from Merriam-Webster on green card

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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