Green Card Explained: Meaning, Process, and Eligibility Criteria
Discover the essentials of the U.S. Green Card, a permanent resident identification allowing lawful living and working in the U.S. Learn how it functions, eligibility requirements, and the Diversity Visa Lottery program.
What Is a Green Card?
The term "Green Card" refers to the identification document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to individuals granted permanent residency in the United States. This card authorizes holders to live and work in the country indefinitely. The name "Green Card" originated because the card was green from 1950 to 1964, and although its color changed over the years, the nickname has endured, especially since it returned to green in 2010.
Key Points to Remember
- A Green Card serves as proof of permanent residency in the U.S.
- The Diversity Visa Lottery annually awards up to 55,000 permanent resident visas to applicants from underrepresented nations.
- Permanent residents must carry their Green Card at all times to avoid fines or imprisonment.
- Green Cards are valid for 10 years and require renewal upon expiration.
How Does a Green Card Work?
Individuals can qualify for a Green Card through various pathways including family sponsorship, employment, refugee or asylum status, and special programs like the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. This program allocates up to 55,000 visas yearly via a lottery aimed at countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates. Additionally, significant investments in the U.S. economy can grant investors eligibility for permanent residency.
Green Card Eligibility and Requirements
Permanent residents aged 18 and older are legally obligated to carry their Green Card at all times. Failure to do so may result in fines up to $100 or up to 30 days in jail. Green Cards must be renewed every 10 years, except those issued between 1979 and 1989, which do not expire. Conditional permanent residents—such as those who gained status through recent marriage or investment—must file to remove conditions within 90 days before their Green Card expires.
The Diversity Visa Lottery System
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, began officially in 1994, though its origins trace back to 1986 with smaller allocations. This initiative promotes diversity by offering immigration opportunities to nationals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S., reflecting America's identity as a cultural mosaic.
Important Information
Applications for the Diversity Visa Lottery have surged, reaching approximately 23 million in 2018, while only around 116,000 visas were issued that year. The program currently distributes over 55,000 visas annually. Countries with more than 50,000 immigrants admitted to the U.S. in the past five years are excluded from participation. If a spouse wins the lottery, the other spouse and all unmarried children under 21 listed on the application are also eligible for Green Cards.
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