Immigration has been an issue in the United States ever since the Constitution was written. A permanent resident of the United States must possess the necessary legal card. The card used to be called an Alien Registration Card, which is commonly shortened to INS Form I-151. It is now it is referred to as a United States Permanent Resident Card and is shortened to USCIS Form I-551. Because of its color, the card is commonly referred to as a Green Card. Green cards are especially convenient for those who do not wish to be in the U.S. permanently. For example, students who are studying abroad or those who are living temporarily in the country most likely will not want to go through the long and tedious process of becoming a citizen. In some situations, acquiring citizenship can take several years, in which case a temporary inhabitant of the United States would perhaps be ready to leave again.

The time it takes to obtain a Green Card hinges on several factors. Specific family members of already-established permanent residents or citizens receive first priority. There are several types of specific situations which receive first priority, such as a person who is married to a U.S. citizen or a single minor whose parent(s) is a U.S. citizen. In addition, first priority goes to parents whose adult children are legal citizens and to children under 16 years of age who are adopted by U.S.-citizen parents. Another first-priority situation is the stepchildren or stepparents of someone who is a citizen, provided that the children involved are minors.

A permanent resident of the United States is granted the protection and working rights as a citizen. Not surprisingly, along with those privileges comes the obligation to submit to the laws of the governing authorities and not to disrupt the governmental system. Permanent residents must also fill out a yearly tax report. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and respective state must receive this report. In addition, all males ages 18-25 who are applying to be permanent residents must join under Selective Service.

The laws for renewing a green card have changed somewhat over the years. Green cards used to not expire. Now, however, each card is only good for ten years. When the permanent resident has only six months left of valid residency, he or she must file for a renewal. Green Card renewals have several benefits, not the least of which is that it allows the person's picture (and any other pertinent information) to be updated. An expired card is not valid documentation for the resident. Therefore, although punishment is not guaranteed for failing to renew an expired card, it could be enacted if discovered.

It is the responsibility of the resident to keep the Green Card renewed and/or to request another one if it is stolen. In the case that a valid Green Card has been stolen, the resident must fill out Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. The USCIS will receive this notice and respond with an Application Receipt Notice. A resident who desires to become a citizen needs only wait for the receipt before proceeding to apply for citizenship by filling out the N-400 application.

It may be most practical for a permanent resident to submit a United States citizenship application, a process called naturalization. Although at the outset it may be more work, its benefits are vast and long-lasting. Unlike the required renewal of a Green Card every ten years, citizenship is permanent. In addition, a citizen obtains the right to vote in elections and run for a governmental position.