What exactly is a green card and what does it allow me to do?

A green card gives you lawful permanent resident status in the United States. You can live and work anywhere in the country without restrictions. Permanent residents enjoy most of the same rights as U.S. citizens. You can own property, attend public schools, and access certain government benefits. The card itself is your proof of status. It needs to be renewed every 10 years, but your actual permanent resident status doesn’t expire as long as you maintain it properly. Green card holders cannot vote in federal elections and may face deportation if they commit certain crimes.