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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The context of the policy is a broader crackdown on foreign student protesters, most notably the March arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian organizer, student at Columbia University, and green card holder. PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2025 In 2015, her husband, who by then had become a citizen, petitioned for her green card. Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 The program is not for permanent residency, although employers can and do seek visa renewals, often to allow employees more time to obtain a green card or citizenship. Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 12 Oct. 2025 The new tax and spending law Trump signed in July restricts eligibility only to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents – i.e. green card holders – as well as some Cuban and Haitian immigrants. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for green card

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

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Cite this Entry

“Green card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20card. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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

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