Permanent residence is a step short of citizenship. Like a US citizen, a permanent resident may remain in the US and work here permanently. Unlike a US citizen, a permanent resident cannot vote in local, state, or federal elections; serve on a jury; or hold elected office.
The primary status document issued to a permanent resident is a small card that is primarily green in color—the so-called green card.
There are several paths to a green card, including permanent employment and professional achievement. VCU has an active green card sponsorship program but access is restricted to employees with permanent faculty positions.
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