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.
In March, federal agents detained green card holder Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian protester. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025 For Jackie, a 38-year-old green card holder living in Los Angeles, her status provides little comfort. Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 11 June 2025 Under Trump, the administration is also pressuring ICE agents to arrest more in a process that has rounded up U.S. citizens, children, and green card holders. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 9 June 2025 That includes green card holders, refugees, dual nationals, diplomats, and athletes, among others. Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 9 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Green card.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/green%20card. Accessed 17 Jun. 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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