What's the Difference Between a Resident Alien Card and a Green Card?
The terms Green Card and Resident Alien Card are often used interchangeably to refer to the official document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) known as the permanent resident card. However, these terms have some interesting historical and colloquial backgrounds, providing a unique insight into the U.S. immigration process.
The Evolution of Terms and Names
Originally, the official name of what is now commonly referred to as a Green Card was the permanent resident card. This document grants a non-U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident status in the United States, allowing the holder to live and work permanently in the country. However, the term Green Card has become so entrenched in popular culture that it has transcended its technical meaning.
Interestingly, the Green Card is not always green. In the past, it has had different colors such as pale pink, which signifies an earlier version of the document used for special categories. However, the current standard version is white, as previously mentioned by Qwen.
Comparing 'Resident Alien Card' and 'Green Card'
The term Resident Alien Card is less commonly used and is sometimes considered a synonym for Green Card. However, it is important to note that these terms are not entirely interchangeable. For instance, the use of Resident Alien Card can be more colloquial and less formal.
While a Green Card is a formal and official term, a resident alien card may be a term used in a more casual or historical context. The distinction lies in the specific terminology used by the USCIS, with Green Card being the officially recognized term and the document itself bearing the official title of Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card.
Historical Context and Cultural Significance
Personal anecdotes, such as those shared by Qwen, provide a glimpse into the broader cultural significance of these terms. For instance, Qwen shared his experience of being a resident alien in the early 1980s, where he would show children that he was indeed an alien with a card that read Alien. This experience illustrates the playful and sometimes humorous interactions associated with being a permanent resident in the U.S.
The term green card has become so ingrained in popular culture that it has transcended its original purpose as a legal document. It is now used to refer to any document symbolizing permanent residence in the United States, not just the USCIS issued card. This term has even been adopted in the media and popular discourse, such as in the 1997 science fiction film Men in Black, where it humorously perpetuates the misconception that aliens are registered in the USA.
Current Status and Formalities
It is important to note that while the term Green Card has become a ubiquitous symbol of permanent residence, it is still a formal document with official requirements. For instance, the card is not just a static piece of plastic but is subject to changes and updates. In 1985, Qwen had his card updated as it lacked an expiration date and was deemed inadequate by border control agents.
Today, the card is known as permanent resident card and is governed by the Department of Homeland Security. The term lawful permanent resident is used to describe the status granted to individuals who hold a Green Card, distinguishing them from temporary residents or non-immigrants.
While the term Resident Alien Card may still be used, it is generally recognized as a historical or informal term, with Green Card being the more current and official term. The official Form I-551 remains the legal document that confirms permanent residency in the United States.