Last updated: August 12, 2025.
By Asel Williams, Esq. · Columbia Law School · Licensed immigration attorney
Green cards are officially named a “U.S. Permanent Resident Card.”
These United States Immigration green cards are issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Your green card grants you permission to live and work in the United States.
You may apply for U.S. citizenship after three or five years.
Types of Green Cards
If you are currently serving in the military, the United States Customs and Immigration Service requests that you contact the USCIS agent assigned to your base or your superior officer for information.
Citizenship for Spouses and Children of Members Serving in the U.S. Military
Spouses and children of service members of the U.S. military may be eligible for expedited and/or overseas naturalization.
Citizenship Through a Parent
There are two ways to get citizenship through a parent: at birth, and after birth before the child reaches 18. The law in effect at the time of birth determines whether someone born to a parent or parents outside the United States is a citizen.
- Served honorably during a period of peacetime for a period(s) equaling one year;
- Show proof of honorable discharge;
- Be a lawful permanent resident at the time of your naturalization interview;
- Meet certain physical and residency requirements;
- Demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak English;
- Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government;
- Demonstrate good moral character; and
- Demonstrate an attachment to the principles of the United States Constitution.
If you are currently serving in the military, the United States Customs and Immigration Service requests that you contact the USCIS agent assigned to your base or your superior officer for information.
Citizenship for Spouses and Children of Members Serving in the U.S. Military
Spouses and children of service members of the U.S. military may be eligible for expedited and/or overseas naturalization.
Citizenship Through a Parent
There are two ways to get citizenship through a parent: at birth, and after birth before the child reaches 18. The law in effect at the time of birth determines whether someone born to a parent or parents outside the United States is a citizen.
