Obtaining a green card essentially means that you are a permanent resident of the United States, and it comes with several benefits. Once you have a green card, you may live, work, attend public schools, and own property anywhere in the United States. You will also be one step further to becoming a United States citizen. Obtaining a green card essentially means that you are a permanent resident of the United States, and it comes with several benefits. Once you have a green card, you may live, work, attend public schools, and own property anywhere in the United States. You will also be one step further to becoming a United States citizen.