Dear Catherine: The earlier form of the green card wassimply the I-151, or Alien Registration Receipt Card, which was firstused in 1940 as part of the Alien Registration Act. All foreigncitizens had to register with the government and could do so at thepost office. These certificates were printed on white paper. When WorldWar II ended, a large number of immigrants arrived in the United Statesand were split into different categories such as workers, students,teachers, etc, each getting a permit showing their status. Anyone whoreceived permanent residence in the United States got a green receipt,which became known as a ‘green card.’ This was replaced by the I-551 in1977, which was made from paper of all colors except green. However,the forms were still referred to as green cards. The closest thing Ihad to a green card in the jungle were leaves, which were moreimportant than work permits. As food and shelter, they were life permits!