You are missing an opportunity to apply for an American greencard. An American green card is the permanent resident card that allows people from over 180 countries to live and work in the United States legally. Your permanent resident status is determined by your age, citizenship, and whether or not you have been a U.S. citizen for five years or longer. There are many benefits to applying and obtaining an American green card, as well as many difficult hurdles to get past if you are not an American citizen.