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.
His current attorneys argue that Karki pleaded guilty without knowing that a felony could invalidate his green card and put him in removal proceedings. Juliana Kim, NPR, 11 Dec. 2025 By comparison, immigrants who apply for a regular green card can expect to wait between eight months and three years for approval, according to immigration services company Boundless. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025 In recent months, immigration authorities have detained not only individuals living in the country without legal status but also immigrants with valid visas or pending green card applications. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025 Nevarez has a pending green card application in addition to his employment authorization card. Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Dec. 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 14 Dec. 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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