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What we know as a "green card" came in a variety of different colors at different times in its history. We still refer to it as "green card" for the same reason dismissal (layoff) notices are called "pink slips", sensationalized news is called "yellow journalism" and intended distractions are called "red herrings". In each case, an idea was originally associated with an actual item of the respective color.The green card is formally known as the Alien Registration Receipt Card, form I-151 or I-551. The first receipt cards were form AR-3 and were printed on white paper. This receipt proved that a noncitizen of the United States did register, but it didn't indicate whether the alien was legal or illegal. After World War II, when a new wave of immigration began, the INS started issuing different documents to indicate whether an alien was a visitor, a temporary resident, or a permanent resident. This method helped to identify the immigration status of each alien. Thus, the small, green I-151 had immediate value in identifying its holder as LPR, entitled to live and work indefinitely in the US. As early as 1947, LPRs protested delays in processing their I-151s, complaining that employees would not hire them until they could prove their permanent resident status.
By 1951, the green Alien Registration Receipt Card Form I-151 represented security to its holder. It indicated the right to permanently live and work in the US and instantly communicated that right to law enforcement officials. As a result of the card's cumbersome official title, aliens, immigration attorneys, and enforcement officers came to refer to it by its color. The term "green card" designated not only the document itself, but also the official status desired by so many legal nonimmigrant (students, tourists, temporary workers) and undocumented (illegal) aliens. The status became so desirable that counterfeit form I-151s became a serious problem. To combat document fraud, the INS issued 19 different designs of the I-151 between its introduction in the 1940s and its complete revision in 1977. One alteration to the design in 1964 was to change the color of the card to blue. The 1964 edition was a pale blue. After 1965, it was a dark blue. Regardless of color, the I-151 still carried with it the benefits indicated by the term "green card", and those who wanted, obtained, issued, or inspected I-151s continued to refer to it by that name. [Information in this mail is courtesy Elizabeth A Berrio, ex-Chief of the INS Historical Reference Library.] Useful Links: US Citizenship and Immigration Services:: Lawful Permanent Residence (LPR), or "green cards" Green Card and Permanent Residence system in different countries Many other western countries also provide for a system similar to the US Green Card. Canada: The Canadian government grants permanent residence visas to members of the Family Class and the Economic Class. The Economic Class primarily comprises of professionals and skilled workers under the skilled worker class, the Quebec skilled worker class and the provincial nominee class as well as business immigrants. Using a point system, an applicant is assessed under the federal skilled worker class according to various factors that will indicate whether there is a strong likelihood that the applicant and dependents will successfully establish in Canada. Ideal applicants under the skilled worker class will possess employment skills and experience compatible with occupations "open" to prospective immigrants to Canada. The selection rules particularly favour applicants with government approved job offers in Canada. Check out the official website of Immigration section, Government of Canada for details on immigration and latest legal updates. United Kingdom (England) HSMP - The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme - Global Visas, authorized to provide UK immigration services and advice by The Office of Immigration Services Commissioner. The Program (HSMP UK) was created for highly skilled individuals wishing to remain or to come to the United Kingdom to work as employed or self-employed persons. You do not need a prior offer for a job or to take up self employment opportunities in order to have your visa application approved by the Home Office's Immigration and Nationality Directorate. You can apply to come and seek for jobs or self-employment opportunities in the United Kingdom. Check out the Official UK Government website for information and updates.
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