Legal Immigration

"A Green Card holder (permanent resident) is someone who has been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. . .You can become a permanent resident several different ways. Most individuals are sponsored by a family member or employer in the United States. Other individuals may become permanent residents through refugee or asylum status or other humanitarian programs. In some cases, you may be eligible to file for yourself…Any person not a citizen of the United States who is residing the in the U.S. under legally recognized and lawfully recorded permanent residence as an immigrant. Also known as "Permanent Resident Alien," "Resident Alien Permit Holder," and "Green Card Holder."

- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services