The history of the green card reflects the evolution of U.S. immigration law. Today, the green card — officially called the Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) — allows immigrants to live and work permanently in the United States. However, the document began as a simple immigrant registration card introduced during World War II. Over time, immigration laws and security improvements transformed the document into the modern green card used today.
Major Milestones in the History of the Green Card
Over time, several major events shaped the document now known as the green card. Changes in immigration law, national security concerns, and advances in identification technology all influenced how the card evolved. The timeline below highlights key milestones that transformed early immigrant registration documents into today’s permanent resident card.
| Year | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1940 | Alien Registration Act requires immigrants to register | Introduced the first identification cards for immigrants living in the United States. |
| 1946 | Alien Registration Receipt Card introduced | Early version of the permanent resident card used for immigrant identification. |
| 1950 | Permanent resident cards standardized | The government began issuing formal identification cards to lawful permanent residents. |
| 1952 | Immigration and Nationality Act passed | Created the modern legal framework for permanent residency in the United States. |
| 1977 | Cards printed in green again | The nickname “green card” became widely used. |
| 2010 | Modern green card redesign | USCIS added advanced security features and returned the card to a green color. |
Key Laws That Shaped the Green Card
Several major immigration laws shaped the modern permanent resident card.
Immigration Act of 1924
The U.S. government first began tracking immigrants systematically after the Immigration Act of 1924 created strict immigration quotas. Although this law did not create green cards, it established the federal government’s role in regulating immigration.
Alien Registration Act of 1940
The Alien Registration Act required non-citizens living in the United States to register with the federal government. Immigrants received registration cards that served as proof of their legal status. This registration system eventually evolved into today’s permanent resident card.
Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) created the modern framework for U.S. immigration law. Under the INA, lawful permanent residents received documentation confirming their status. These identification documents later became known as green cards.
Why Is It Called a “Green Card”?
The official name of a green card is the Permanent Resident Card, also known as Form I-551. However, the document has been commonly called a green card for decades.
The nickname comes from earlier versions of the card that were printed in green ink. Over time, the government changed the card’s design and color several times. At one point the card was even pink and blue.
In 2010, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) redesigned the card and returned it to a green color. The change reinforced the long-standing nickname.
Today, most people still refer to the Permanent Resident Card simply as a green card.
Alien Registration Receipt Card
The history of the green card needs to start with the alien registration receipt card. It wasn’t until 1940 that foreign nationals were even required to register within the United States. The Alien Registration Act of 1940 required that all aliens (non-U.S. citizens) who were 14 years of age or older and inside the U.S. for a period of 30 days or longer register with the federal government at post offices. The registration forms were forwarded to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for processing, and a receipt card (Form AR-3) was mailed to each registrant as proof of compliance with the law. Although it wasn't called a green card at the time, the AR-3 marks the first type of identification issued to immigrants.
Also known as the Smith Act, the law did not discriminate between legal and illegal alien residents. All aliens had to register, and all received AR-3 documents before the 30-day mark.
Evolution of the Green Card: Samples and Design Changes Over Time
The green card has changed significantly since the United States first issued immigrant registration documents in the 1940s. Over the decades, the government redesigned the card several times to improve identification, reduce fraud, and reflect changes in immigration policy. The examples below highlight different versions of the green card issued over the years, along with a brief explanation of how each design reflected the needs and technology of its time.
The First Green Card
As immigration increased, alien registration moved from local post offices to immigration procedures at ports of entry and immigration offices. Immigrants without legal status were required to leave or were removed. Those with lawful permanent resident status received documentation proving their right to remain in the United States.
The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) began issuing different documents based on admission status. Visitors received Form I-94c, temporary workers received Form I-100a, and lawful permanent residents received Form I-151. The pale green Form I-151 became valuable proof that the holder could live and work permanently in the United States.
The Internal Security Act of 1950 increased the importance of Form I-151, the Alien Registration Receipt Card. Beginning April 17, 1951, immigrants with earlier AR-3 cards could replace them with Form I-151 if they had lawful status. Those who could not prove legal admission risked prosecution under U.S. immigration law.
As a result, the Form I-151 provided security for its holder. It confirmed the right to live and work permanently in the United States and quickly signaled that status to law enforcement. Because the official name was cumbersome, immigrants, attorneys, and INS officers began referring to the document by its color — the “green card.”
As immigration increased, so did the value of the green card. By the 1950s, INS faced widespread counterfeiting. To combat fraud, the agency introduced 17 redesigns between 1952 and 1977. Counterfeit cards have remained a challenge throughout the history of the green card.
Form I-551, Resident Alien Card, is Born (1977-1989)
A more counterfeit-resistant version of the green card was developed in 1977. The newer, machine-verifiable green card was produced only in a Texas facility to improve uniformity and quality. The formerly paper cards were now made durable like credit cards and driver's licenses. A fingerprint, signature and alien registration number were added as additional identification measures.
Immigration and Naturalization Service renamed it with its current form number, Form I-551, and adopted a new name, “Resident Alien Card.” During this time period, the card lost it's greenish tint that gave it the name.
Cards issued between 1977 and August 1989 do not have document numbers or expiration dates and continue to be valid.
Business Friendly Green Card (1989-1997)
As varieties of green cards proliferated, employers found it difficult to verify identity because of the various versions of the green card. So INS once again issued a new card version in August 1989. These peach-colored cards contain expiration dates, but do not have document numbers and have since expired.
To further combat document fraud, effective March 20, 1996, the old Form I-151 green cards issued prior to 1979, became obsolete. The Form I-551 Alien Registration Receipt Card became the only valid green card accepted as proof of lawful permanent resident status.
Permanent Resident Card (1997-2010)
During the history of the green card, fraud has been a constant problem. As quickly as INS worked to counter fraud, counterfeiters caught up. Thus, a more secure card was developed and issued in December 1997.
The revised card bared a new name, “Permanent Resident Card,” but retained the Form I-551 number. A unique document number (also known as a green card number) was also added to the card.
In May 2004, the design was modified slightly with the Department of Homeland Security seal and a detailed hologram on the front of the card. Although the last of these green cards expired in 2020, there are several permanent residents who carry this card and need to renew it.
Green Once Again (2010 – 2017)
The card regained its green coloring in May 2010 when USCIS released one of the most fraud-resistant versions to date. Since the last of these cards won’t expire until 2027, many of this edition continue to be in the hands of permanent residents.
The cards feature security technologies such as holographic images, laser engraved fingerprints, high-resolution micro-images, and radio frequency identification (RFID).
According to USCIS, “state-of-the-art technology incorporated into the new card prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication.”
The enhancements of this edition reflect the importance of maintaining a valid, unexpired copy of a green card. Validating identity at airports and with employers through the I-9 verification process makes the card a vital piece of identify for U.S. permanent residents.
A Card for the Next Generation (2017 – 2023)
In May 2017, USCIS began issuing a redesigned green card as part of the Next Generation Secure Identification Document Project. In a constant pursuit to prevent fraud, the current edition of the green card uses enhanced graphics and fraud-resistant security features.
USCIS takes a proactive approach, often working with other agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to enhance document security and deter counterfeiting. The result is the most highly secure and tamper resistant identification in the history of the green card.
The Modern Green Card (2023 – Present)
USCIS plans to redesign the green card every three to five years. Card redesign is part of the Secure Identification Platform (SIP) Project. The SIP Project began in 2019 with extensive market research. The USCIS Document Management Division met with key industry leaders and stakeholders to learn industry best practices. By the end of January 2023, USCIS was already issuing a new design for the permanent resident card.
The new tamper-resistant card utilizes updated artwork and displays data fields in different locations than previous versions. USCIS uses enhanced optical variable ink and new highly secure holographic images on the front and back of the cards.
The cardholder's fingerprint no longer appears on the front of the card. But all other data regarding the permanent resident's birthdate, admission category, country of origin, and admission date remain unchanged.
Previous editions of the card continue to be valid for I-9 employment verification provided they are not expired.
Green Card History Frequently Asked Questions
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