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.
Khalil, a green card holder and permanent legal resident who is married to an American citizen, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at his Columbia housing in March after helping lead protests at Columbia over the war in Gaza. Laura Romero, ABC News, 14 Apr. 2025 The Trump administration has targeted students who had been involved with pro-Palestinian activism or speech, including Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder who was a leader of protests at Columbia University. Matt Hubbard, Baltimore Sun, 13 Apr. 2025 The pro-Palestinian organizer and green card holder was detained in New York City on March 8, with the Trump administration citing the grounds for his removal as being adverse to U.S. foreign policy. David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025 Until recently, under the EBE program, noncitizens applying for work permits, green cards or naturalization with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services could apply for Social Security cards without visiting a field office. Stephen Fowler, NPR, 11 Apr. 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 22 Apr. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!