The steps to becoming a Green Card holder (permanent resident) vary by category and depend on whether you currently live inside or outside the United States.

永久居民被授权可以在美国境内永久性地居住和生活。 作为这一身份的证明，个人被授予的永久居住卡，通常叫做“绿卡”。

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If you are a permanent resident age 18 or older, you are required to have a valid green card in your possession at all times.

如果你是年满18岁的永久性居民，你需要在任何时间都确保绿卡的有效性。

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You may be eligible to get a green card through a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or through the special categories described below.

你可能通过是美国公民或永久居民的亲属而符合获得绿卡的条件，或通过下面描述的特殊类别得到绿卡。

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A green card is an official document identifying a person as a permanent resident of the United States.

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The card would not in itself lead to permanent residence (a green card).

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The waiting list for a permanent resident visa (green card) has been as long as 10 years.

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The undocumented could immediately apply for a special protective status to avoid deportation, but it would take them about eight years to get legal permanent residency (a green card) and another four or five years to become a U.S. citizen.

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