Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your fluency.

Remember that you can get the text of this episode on my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com

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A "green card" is a plastic card with the individual's biographic information, photo, fingerprint, and expiration date issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The card once called the "green card" has kept its nickname, even though it is now yellowish and has a barcode on the back.

The Permanent Resident Card is valid for ten years and must be renewed. However, the cardholder's status as a "permanent resident" remains valid unless the status is abandoned or revoked by the U.S. government.

Becoming a permanent resident gives you the right to live in the U.S. permanently, work in any legal job you are qualified for, be protected by all U.S., state, and local laws, and vote in local elections that don't require U.S. citizenship.

There are several other ways of obtaining it, but the most common way to get the Permanent Resident Card is through family sponsorship. If you have a U.S. citizen relative, they can submit a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf. The petition must be accepted before you can apply for the card.

Another common way to get a green card is through a job offer. An American employer can file a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in your favor if they can prove that no other qualified American workers can fulfill the role and that you are the best fit for the job.

As you can see, obtaining a green card can be a long and complex process. That’s why it’s important to consult an immigration lawyer to understand the steps and see if you are eligible. With the proper guidance, you can make your dream of living and working in the U.S. a reality.

Examples of Immigrants Obtaining a Green Card:

1. A Filipino engineer who came to the U.S. on a work visa, worked for a few years and then obtained a green card through employment-based immigration.

2. Maria from Mexico obtained a Permanent Resident Card through the family reunification process, as her husband was a U.S. citizen.

3. Li, from China, immigrated to the U.S. with a student visa. She obtained a green card through employment-based immigration due to her education and experience.

Now, let’s practice.