Glossary > Employment Law > Immigration And Work Authorization > General

Green Card

A Green Card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued by the U.S. government that allows a foreign national to live and work permanently in the United States. It signifies that the individual has been granted lawful permanent resident status, which is a step towards potential citizenship.

Example #1

For example, Maria, a software developer from Brazil, received a Green Card after securing employment with a tech company in the U.S. She can now reside and work in the country indefinitely.

Example #2

John, an engineer from India, obtained a Green Card through family sponsorship. He is now able to live and work in the U.S. without any time limitations.

Misuse

Misuse of Green Cards can occur when employers threaten to revoke or withhold sponsorship to manipulate employee behavior or unfairly exert control over workers. This can lead to exploitation and abuse of employees who rely on their immigration status for employment.

Benefits

Having a Green Card provides individuals with stability, security, and freedom to live and work in the U.S. without the need for a visa sponsor. It also offers the opportunity to apply for citizenship after meeting certain requirements.

Conclusion

It is essential to protect against the misuse of Green Cards to ensure that employees are not taken advantage of due to their immigration status. By safeguarding the proper use of Green Cards, we uphold fairness, transparency, and integrity in the workplace.