History of Green card in Timeline

A green card, officially a permanent resident card, signifies that a person has permanent residency in the United States, making them a lawful permanent resident (LPR). In 2023, there were about 12.7 million green card holders, approximately 9 million of whom are eligible for U.S. citizenship. Around 18,700 green card holders are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

June 3, 1921: Registry date first advancement

The registry provision date was first developed in 1929 with the intention to aid in the growing number of illegal immigrants. The registry date was first advanced to June 3, 1921, which means only immigrants who entered the country before or on this date qualify to receive a green card.

July 1, 1924: Registry date second advancement

The registry date was moved to July 1, 1924, allowing immigrants who entered the country before or on this date to qualify to receive a green card.

1924: Immigration Act of 1924

During the 1940s the predecessor to the "Permanent Resident" card was the "Alien Registration Receipt Card" which on the back would indicate "Perm.Res" in accordance with the Immigration Act of 1924.

1929: Development of registry provision date

In 1929, the registry provision date was first developed with the intention to aid in the growing number of illegal immigrants, where only immigrants who entered the United States before a certain date qualify to receive a green card.

1933: Formation of Immigration and Naturalization Service

In 1933, the Immigration and Naturalization Service was formed as part of the Department of Labor.

July 1, 1940: Registry date third advancement

The registry date was further advanced to July 1, 1940, allowing immigrants who entered the country before or on this date to qualify to receive a green card.

1940: INS moved to Department of Justice

In 1940, the Immigration and Naturalization Service was moved under the Department of Justice, along with the Nationality Act of 1940.

June 30, 1948: Registry date fourth advancement

The registry date was advanced to June 30, 1948, allowing immigrants who entered the country before or on this date to qualify to receive a green card.

1952: Enactment of the INA

In 1952, the U.S. Congress enacted the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), defining 'alien' as any person not a citizen or national of the United States.

1958: Congressional amendments in 1958 Act

In 1958, congressional amendments removed the requirement for non-citizens to be eligible only if they are not subject to deportation.

January 1, 1972: Registry date fifth advancement

The registry date was moved to January 1, 1972, marking the last advancement. This advancement was part of the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).

1986: Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986

As part of immigration reform under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), eligible persons who properly apply for permanent residency based on either a recent marriage to a U.S. citizen or as an investor are granted such privilege only on a conditional basis, for two years.

1986: 385 Green card since last registry update

Since the last registry update in 1986 a total of 385 individuals have been granted a green card.

September 30, 1996: Signing of IIRIRA into law

On September 30, 1996, President Clinton signed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) into law.

1996: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996

As part of further reform enacted in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA), eligible persons who properly apply for permanent residency based on either a recent marriage to a U.S. citizen or as an investor are granted such privilege only on a conditional basis, for two years.

December 31, 2000: Expiration of the LIFE Act

On December 31, 2000, the LIFE Act, which created the 'V visa' to unite families of green-card holders, expired, and V visas are no longer available.

2003: INS abolished and replaced by DHS

In 2003, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was abolished and replaced by the current Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which then decided on the applications for permanent resident cards (green cards).

2006: Waiting lists for legal permanent residency

In 2006, The Augusta Chronicle stated that an estimated two million people were on waiting lists in anticipation of becoming legal and permanent residents of the United States due to numerical quotas.

May 11, 2010: New green cards contain RFID chip

Since May 11, 2010, new green cards contain an RFID chip and can be electronically accessed at a distance.

2018: Initiation of naturalization program

In the summer of 2018, a new program was initiated to help Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) prepare themselves for naturalization.

August 12, 2019: USCIS announces new rule restricting LPR status

On August 12, 2019, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) formally announced a new rule restricting poorer immigrants from attaining Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status.

October 15, 2019: Effective date of new rule restricting LPR status

On October 15, 2019, a rule was slated to take effect that would restrict poorer immigrants from attaining Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status. Legal immigrants receiving public benefits like Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, and public housing assistance for over twelve months might be classified as a 'public charge' ineligible for permanent residency.

October 2, 2020: USCIS declares inadmissibility based on Communist party affiliation

On October 2, 2020, the USCIS declared inadmissibility based on belonging or affiliation to Communist parties or any, unspecified, 'totalitarian party'.

February 2, 2021: Biden orders review of public charge rule

On February 2, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to review the public charge rule, among other policies.

2023: Green card holders

As of 2023, there are an estimated 12.7 million green card holders, with 9 million eligible for United States citizenship and approximately 18,700 serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.